Thyroid disorder decisions — 2017

The Veteran's hypothyroidism has been manifested by muscular weakness, weight gain, fatigability, and mental sluggishness throughout the entire claim period. The Board granted an initial rating of 60 percent for the entire claims period.

The Veteran's claims for Alzheimer's disease, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, thyroid condition, neck pain condition, Parkinson's disease, chest pain, and left leg condition have been denied as there is no evidence of a link between these conditions and his military service.,Service connection has not been established for migraine headaches, prostatitis, degenerative changes in the left shoulder, or bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is rated at 30 percent, effective February 1, 2011.,The Veteran's anterior neck scar from thyroid surgeries is rated at 10 percent, also effective February 1, 2011.

The Board finds that the Veteran's daughter, L.M.H., is not entitled to dependency benefits as a 'helpless child' due to her permanent incapacity for self-support prior to age eighteen. The evidence does not show she was permanently incapable of self-support by reason of mental or physical defect at the date of her 18th birthday.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thyroid cancer is not related to her active service, including any exposure to ionizing radiation. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypothyroidism and a vision disorder have been granted, with the effective date being April 27, 2010. The rating assigned is 30 percent for PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's thyroid cancer and anemia were not incurred or aggravated by active duty service, including as due to exposure to radiation. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain VA treatment records and seek an addendum opinion from the July 2016 examiner. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a thyroid disability, including multinodular goiter claimed as parathyroid adenoma, is being remanded due to incomplete evidence.

The Veteran's heart disorder, hypertension, and thyroid removal residuals are being remanded for additional development as the Board finds that VA examinations are warranted to assess their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further action, including obtaining outstanding portions of the claims file and scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied service connection for non-malignant thyroid nodular disease and TDIU due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service, including ionizing radiation exposure.

Service connection for hypothyroidism, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and PTSD was denied.,A rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was not granted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for cancer and granted service connection for cholangiocarcinoma, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected DJD of lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating, as his condition manifests with limitation of motion to 42 degrees flexion and 8 degrees extension.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is presumed service connected due to her having hyperthyroidism and a thyroidectomy within one year of discharge from active duty. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability (to include anxiety and depression) is remanded as no VA examination has been done.

The Veteran's skin disability is related to active duty service, and the Board finds that his current skin eczema and/or dermatitis are etiologically related to service.,Regarding thyroid cancer, the evidence does not support a finding of in-service exposure or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected hypothyroidism is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for updated treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death (invasive bladder cancer) was not related to his military service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing an addendum opinion from the September 2016 VA examiner to address his thyroid disabilities.