Thyroid disorder decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current left eye iris nevus disability and denied service connection for a thyroid disorder. The Board also noted that there is no evidence of aggravation of any pre-existing condition during service.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, thyroid disability, melanoma of the chest and back, diabetes mellitus, and right eye cataract.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not establish a link between his current conditions and his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been granted, but the initial ratings assigned are less than what he seeks.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability is related to in-service injuries. The thyroid disorder claim remains pending as an addendum opinion is needed from the VA examiner. Service connection for sleep apnea and migraine headaches was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for additional VA educational assistance benefits beyond 48 months, finding that she does not satisfy the exception for additional education benefits beyond the maximum due to her employment in a suitable position.

The Veteran's surgical scar from laparoscopic surgery is currently rated at 10 percent, effective February 27, 2014. Her migraine headaches are currently rated at 50 percent, and her hypothyroidism is currently rated at 100 percent.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have begun in service and has persisted, warranting service connection. The claims for hearing loss, thyroid cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and stomach cancer are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for genitourinary disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and thyroid disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service or any other relevant exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records, and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's sinusitis claim is not addressed. The initial compensable rating for bilateral onychomycosis and tinea pedis of the left foot remains denied, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.,A 30 percent rating for post-radioactive iodine-induced hypothyroidism is granted based on symptoms including fatigue, constipation, and mental sluggishness.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination. The Veteran's representative argued that referral for extraschedular consideration is warranted due to her medications, problems stabilizing thyroid function, the need for frequent adjustment of thyroid medications, and that she misses work due to impairment and doctor visits.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic skin rash, diagnosed as fungal infections, is granted. Service connection for parathyroid adenoma and gout are also granted. The initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is currently rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of service connection in December 1994. The issue of an extraschedular rating remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran prior to certification to the Board. The case will be returned to the RO for consideration of this additional evidence.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism with nodules disability has been granted a 10 percent rating for the period prior to June 14, 2011 and a 100 percent rating beginning on that date. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of her service-connected hypothyroidism and low back disability.

The Veteran's papillary thyroid carcinoma and lung nodules are granted service connection based on new evidence. The lung nodules are linked to in-service exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's thyroid cancer is not related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and is not otherwise related to service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for his thyroid cancer.

The Board found that the Veteran's Addison's disease and hypothyroidism are not related to service, including in-service dysuria, gonococcal urethritis, strep throat, or ear infections. The VA examiner opined that these disabilities were first diagnosed after separation from service.