Thyroid disorder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for her service-connected hypothyroidism is remanded due to the need for a supplemental examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error and the need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's thyroid cancer.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if it is related to his service-connected ischemic heart disease or vascular dementia and PTSD. The thyroid cancer claim is also being remanded due to the need for an opinion on whether it is due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and lower extremities are both being remanded for a VA examination to determine if they are related to his service-connected conditions or herbicide exposure. The thyroid cancer claim was previously denied based on presumptive exposure, but this decision is being remanded as well.,The Veteran's TDIU application prior to May 2017 is also being remanded due to the need for a determination of whether he qualifies for it given his other claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for thyroid cancer and its residuals, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or asbestos that would support a grant of service connection. The Board also found insufficient medical evidence linking thyroid cancer to these exposures.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, skin disorder, and thyroid disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

A 20 percent rating for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity associated with diabetes mellitus type 2 is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypothyroidism due to herbicide exposure, PTSD, and diabetes mellitus type 2 is remanded.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for migraine headaches has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is also granted for insomnia, as it is considered a symptom of her already service-connected bipolar I disorder.,High blood pressure is denied because the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension or isolated systolic hypertension.,POTS is denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.,Hypothyroidism and Ehlers Danlos syndrome are also denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, thyroid disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and vertigo due to new and material evidence. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for hypothyroidism prior to December 18, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of hypothyroidism is granted, and his TDIU based on depression is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypothyroidism, including whether it is related to Agent Orange exposure or service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hypothyroidism was denied as the condition is currently asymptomatic and controlled with medication.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and requests for additional information. The Veteran was not granted any new ratings or effective dates.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism was not shown in service, did not manifest within one year of separation from service and is not etiologically related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypothyroidism is denied.

The Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. Her hypothyroidism is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, right knee disability to include arthritis, left ankle strain, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism are remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service.,The Veteran's pancreatic cancer and residuals of thyroid cancer are related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board dismissed the appeals as the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete opinions and need for further medical inquiry.