Thyroid disorder decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD is shown to have developed as a result of traumatic events in service including his fear of hostile military activity, and the Board finds that service connection for PTSD is warranted.

The Board has remanded the cases due to scheduling issues and the need for an SOC in regard to the claims of service connection for pernicious anemia and peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet.

The Board found that the Veteran's thyroid cancer is not due to in-service radiation exposure or any other incident of her military service.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism has been granted and rated at 30 percent since August 21, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for a thyroid disorder, but denied the claim of entitlement to service connection for vertigo.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's thyroid disability, which has evolved from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes. The Board finds that there is no evidence of tachycardia, tremor, and increased pulse or blood pressure at any point during the period on appeal. Constipation was not reported by the Veteran and her reports are inconsistent with other medical records. There is also no evidence of psychiatric symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's hypothyroidism and hypertension are related to herbicide exposure in service, specifically Agent Orange. The case will be remanded for further examination and review of medical records.

The Board found no evidence of current diagnoses for the claimed respiratory disorder, thyroid disorder, sinus disorder, headache disorder, or tremor disorder. The Veteran's back disability was rated based on its limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need to verify his service in Vietnam and determine if he had regular and repeated contact with C-123 aircraft, which could potentially qualify him for presumptive service connection under VA regulations. If verified, a VA examiner will be asked to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that any of the claimed disabilities manifested due to exposure to herbicides or jet fuel during active military service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for IBS, Allergic Rhinosinusitis, Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety Disorder prior to December 9, 2010, and Hypertension have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU. Service connection has not been established for the respiratory condition, right knee disability, or hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected hypothyroidism is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable disability rating for his thyroid condition has been granted, but he now claims that his condition has worsened and requests a new VA examination.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain clarification of a previous opinion and to provide an updated medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's death was related to his service, specifically including exposure to non-ionizing radiation from naval radar equipment.

The Veteran's current hypothyroidism was first manifested during his active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to incomplete radiation exposure information, and the Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after this is completed.

The Veteran's thyroid cancer is found to be related to his in-service exposure to herbicides, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The appeal is being remanded for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The Veteran's claims will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and issuance of a Statement of the Case on certain issues.