Thyroid disorder decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis was dismissed. The Board also considered the issue of TDIU prior to December 21, 2015 and remanded it.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for bronchitis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease as the Veteran withdrew his appeal before a decision was made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as it found insufficient evidence to establish that his service-connected hypothyroidism caused or aggravated his OSA.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions including lupus disorder, CAD with congestive heart failure and bypass surgery, thyroid disorder, and diabetes mellitus, type II, due to exposure to herbicide agents. The AOJ must submit multiple requests to the JSRRC covering different 60-day periods to verify the Veteran's reported exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection are being remanded due to procedural issues. The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were granted service connection with an effective date of May 27, 2014. Service connection for hypothyroidism, hypertension, migraine headaches, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea is denied as the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's 100% rating for Grave's Disease (hypothyroidism) is restored as there was no evidence of improvement under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board denied service connection for thyroid microcarcinoma and C-cell hyperplasia of the thyroid, finding no in-service occurrence or nexus to service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% rating effective May 2, 2005. The Veteran's SMC based on aid and attendance was granted effective April 3, 2006.

The Board has denied service connection for bladder, cystic lesions of the back, throat and cheek lesions, and thyroid conditions as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's urinary incontinence is rated at a maximum of 40 percent from February 11, 2013. The Veteran was granted a higher rating for this condition.,For the period prior to February 11, 2013, the Veteran’s hypothyroidism is rated at 60 percent. For the period on appeal (from February 11, 2013), the Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for a thyroid disorder (Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism) and a psychiatric disorder (secondary to hyperthyroidism).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, increased ratings for various knee and ankle disabilities, a compensable rating for bilateral pes planus, and an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for hypothyroidism. The claims are being remanded to allow for further development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's skin disorder of the feet is granted service connection due to in-service exposure and continuity of symptoms. However, his thyroid disorder (including hemithyroidectomy) does not meet the criteria for service connection as there is no diagnosed condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hypothyroidism is at least as likely as not related to her service, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for lung cancer, thyroid cancer, and bilateral cataracts due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service. The Board also denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for lung cancer and thyroid cancer on the grounds that VA medical care did not cause or substantially contribute to the development of these cancers.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected Graves' disease with hypothyroidism is remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability, right ankle disability, chronic parotitis with stones, status post left parotidectomy, left knee disability, and right knee disability has been reopened. The claims are granted as secondary to bilateral otosclerosis with impaired hearing, post-operative stapedectomies.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear evidence regarding whether the Veteran's spouse meets the requirements for spousal aid and attendance benefits. A VA examination is needed to determine this.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, as secondary to service-connected hypothyroidism or sleep apnea due to insufficient reasoning in the June 2015 VA examination report.