Thyroid disorder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal seeking to reopen a previously denied service connection claim for hypothyroidism was dismissed. Service connection for right ear hearing loss and lumbar degenerative disc disease were granted, but the issue of right leg radiculopathy is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records, a new examination, and consideration of the new rating criteria.

The Board denied reopening the claim for heart palpitations and remanded the issue of service connection for hyperparathyroidism. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted (remand) and others not (denial).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning regarding a possible link between in-service asbestos exposure and the Veteran's later development of an autoimmune disease resulting in his thyroid disability.

The Veteran's GERD and hypothyroidism have been rated based on the severity of their symptoms. The Veteran is not entitled to higher initial disability ratings for these conditions.,For his hypothyroidism, the Veteran was granted a 30 percent rating from August 29, 2007, to October 12, 2009, and denied any increase in rating prior to this period and since October 13, 2009.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as any impact on his employability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemia (claimed as coronary artery disease) and a stomach disability (claimed as an ulcer). The other conditions were also denied.

The Veteran's application for a TDIU was denied because he does not have any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism was diagnosed shortly after service separation, and her symptoms during service are considered to be indicative of the condition. The Board granted service connection based on the benefit-of-the-doubt.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's nonmalignant thyroid nodule progressing to thyroid cancer is related to her exposure to ionizing radiation during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's nonmalignant thyroid nodule progressing to thyroid cancer is related to her exposure to ionizing radiation during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete information. The Veteran needs further VA examinations to address his back disability, right leg disability, right hip disability, hernia condition, and thyroid disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete information. The Veteran must be provided with additional examinations and opinions regarding his back disability, right leg disability, right hip disability, hernia, and thyroid disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases of myelodysplastic syndrome and thyroid cancer due to ionizing radiation exposure. The Veteran's service records indicate he was stationed at Lincoln Air Force Base for three years, where he worked on the Atlas F weapons system which required close proximity to nuclear warheads. Additional information is needed from the MRER regarding his exposure during this period.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism has been remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of her digestive symptoms. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating for hypothyroidism.

The Board has granted service connection for hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy, and a lumbar spine disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) disability. The maximum rating of 90% is also granted for the left hip disability.

The Board has denied service connection for viral mononucleosis and remanded the claims for low back disability, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever/Lyme disease, scar on chin due to shrapnel wound, cellulitis, thyroid condition, and type II diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claims are now pending again with the VA.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of service dates and obtaining treatment records. The claims will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Veteran's daughter is seeking to extend her DEA benefits due to cancer, but the Board denied this claim as her 31st birthday has passed and VA cannot grant an extension on an equitable basis.