Thyroid disorder decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for obesity due to conflicting opinions and the need for further development. The Veteran's obesity is being reviewed with respect to her service-connected conditions, including major depression, status post parotidectomy/Frey's syndrome, hypothyroidism/Graves' disease, and hypertension.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of thyroid cancer and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the conditions are not related to service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,Specifically, the January 2015 VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's thyroid cancer is not caused by her military service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and thus his claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for SMC payable at the housebound rate prior to May 3, 2008 was denied as he did not meet the criteria for this benefit due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's heart disability is found to be secondary to his service-connected hypothyroidism, and he was granted a 100% rating for his hypothyroidism prior to January 28, 2014.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection of a chronic respiratory disability, including residuals from a spontaneous pneumothorax and asthma. The Board also found that the appellant's thyroid cancer is related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected hyperthyroidism did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating from December 21, 2007 to April 9, 2008. From April 10, 2008 to September 17, 2009, it also did not warrant a higher than 10 percent rating. Since September 18, 2009, the hyperthyroidism has not manifested as tachycardia or tremors and does not require continuous medication for control.

The Board has determined that additional VA medical opinions are needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities, including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, pneumonia, bronchitis, hypothyroidism, vocal chord damage, dysphagia, and dry mouth. The claims will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for hypothyroidism, effective June 1, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been reopened and are now being considered on their merits.,Service connection has been granted for left knee disability, right knee disability, chronic vaginitis, chronic UTI, GERD, IBS, hemorrhoids, thyroid condition, and sciatica.

The Veteran's multiple disabilities have affected his daily living activities, requiring assistance to prepare meals and tend to his hygiene needs, manage his medication and financial affairs, and assist with nursing home care since December 5, 2017. Prior to this date, he was not in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypothyroidism symptoms more closely approximated a 30 percent rating, but not higher. The PTSD rating remained at 50 percent.

The Veteran seeks service connection for non-malignant thyroid nodular disease, claimed as due to exposure to ionizing radiation. The case is being remanded for further development of the dose estimate and consideration of all possible modes of exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thyroid disorder is not related to his service, including any exposure to herbicides or chemicals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting thyroid disorder was aggravated by active service, and therefore grants service connection for a thyroid disorder.

The Veteran's hypoparathyroidism is not considered a qualifying additional disability for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to the August 2009 surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which was performed by a non-VA employee and in a facility outside of VA jurisdiction.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an updated VA examination and clarification of his claims.

The Veteran's residuals of laryngeal cancer, including hypothyroidism, have been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent. The TDIU issue is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hyperthyroidism is not related to his service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the condition was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for all disabilities, finding that no claim was made prior to November 18, 2010.