Thyroid disorder decisions — 2017

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current autoimmune disorder, and her claimed fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are secondary to her service-connected endometriosis with pelvic pain syndrome. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a current thyroid disability or muscle disability in the pelvis and back area as being related to her service-connected endometriosis.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including service connection for hypothyroidism and increased ratings for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's residuals of Hodgkin's disease, specifically paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and hypothyroidism, are related to his herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and readjudication of the claims. The AOJ will consider all evidence received since the last Supplemental Statements of the Case (SSOC) in conjunction with prior evidence.

The Veteran's hyperthyroidism is rated at 60 percent since June 29, 2015. The condition has remained stable with similar symptoms throughout the appeals period.

The Veteran's clothing allowance claims for 2011 and 2014 were granted, while her claim for 2012 was denied. The Board found that the Veteran used topical medications prescribed for service-connected conditions which caused damage to her clothes.,The Veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities including a skin condition, fibromyalgia, traumatic arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and hypothyroidism. Her clothing allowance claims are based on the use of these conditions' associated medications.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for retroactive clothing allowance for 2008-2010 and clothing allowances for 2013 and 2016, finding that she did not meet eligibility criteria due to lack of timely filing or use of devices/medications as required by VA regulations.

The Veteran's death is due to thyroid cancer, which the Board finds was incurred during his military service. Therefore, service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypothyroidism, as secondary to their service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current hypothyroidism is aggravated by their diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current thyroid disability was not incurred or aggravated by service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's thyroid cyst/nodule had its onset during a period of active duty military service, and the Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether it was incurred or aggravated by his military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development regarding service connection claims for thyroid cancer and prostate cancer, including as a result of asbestos exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete medical records and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the Veteran's claimed hypothyroidism and right knee condition. The evidence does not show a link between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for PTSD with chronic MDD and hypothyroidism were denied as he did not file an informal or formal claim prior to February 9, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran not reporting for a scheduled hearing and his address changing. The Veteran is requested to provide their current mailing address so that they can be notified of an additional opportunity to report for a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's attempts to reopen his claims for service connection of hypertension and hypothyroidism, finding that the new evidence submitted did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current thyroid disability or left testicle disability related to his active service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The claims are denied.