Thyroid disorder decisions — 2019

The Veteran's migraine headaches were granted service connection as they began during active service.,Service connection was denied for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction (claimed secondary to prostate cancer), hypothyroidism, and depression.

Service connection for hyperlipidemia, headaches, hyperthyroidism, depression, Peyronie's disease, colon polyps, West Nile virus, tinea, GERD, intestinal disorder (to include IBS and chronic diarrhea), back condition, hypothyroidism, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction is denied.,Service connection for PTSD was awarded on February 13, 2013.

The Board determined that the March 2010 rating decision, which assigned a 10 percent initial rating for myofascial lumbar syndrome with right leg radiculopathy, did not contain clear and unmistakable error. The Veteran's service-connected onychomycosis was granted, but his service-connected thyroid condition and hypertension were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with legible copies of VA Form 21-2680s, conflicting findings in the April 2015 private and VA examination reports, and a need for an additional VA examination.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, caused or aggravated his thyroid cancer. The lung disorder case is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the thyroid cancer case.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on multiple service-connected conditions is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete information regarding stressor events. The Veteran's conditions are being evaluated based on direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type 2, thyroid disorder, hypertension, low back disorder, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, headaches, vertigo, and tinnitus due to potential exposure to herbicides during service.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions on a direct basis as they are not presumed diseases related to military service.

The Board has been provided with new evidence since the April 2017 SOC and requires further review to consider this evidence in deciding the claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including adenocarcinoma, ischemic heart disease, thrombocytopenia, gout, actinic keratosis, and thyroid nodule. The appeal is also remanded to obtain VA treatment records from Jesse Brown VAMC and any other identified facilities.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for partial transvaginal hysterectomy without oophorectomy was denied.,An increased rating of 100 percent for major depressive disorder and panic disorder without agoraphobia is granted, subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards.,The Veteran's claim for an increased (compensable) rating for hypertension was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for migraines was denied.,SMC pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) is granted, subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards.,Higher initial ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an increased (compensable) rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia is remanded.,SMC pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) prior to June 23, 2014 is remanded.,A TDIU due to service-connected disabilities from August 1, 2013 through June 22, 2014 is granted.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of increased rating for hypothyroidism and TDIU, as the Veteran withdrew his appeals. The claim of service connection for hypertension is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypothyroidism, bilateral eye disorder, and throat condition have been denied. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's eye conditions and throat symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a thyroidectomy and hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II is denied. The case is remanded for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for scar, right thumb and scar, right bicep. The claims for reopening of service connection for thyroid cancer and prostate cancer were also denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is denied as there was no onset in service or within one year of separation.,Service connection for thyroid cancer is denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for thyroid cancer, finding that the condition is due to in-service herbicide exposure. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's thyroid cancer is related to his military service.

The Veteran's vocal cord disability and kidney disease are denied as not related to service or secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease.,Service connection for COPD, erectile dysfunction, and hypothyroidism is denied as these conditions did not begin during service or are not related to a service-connected condition.,Coronary artery disease is rated at 30% from September 11, 2001 to August 7, 2002, 60% from December 1, 2002 to May 24, 2004, and 30% thereafter. The Veteran's PTSD rating is denied as not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.,The effective date for service connection of mycosis fungoides was denied.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection of PTSD, throat/thyroid disability, and right arm ulcer.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, resulting in the dismissal of all issues related to service connection.