Thyroid disorder decisions — 2020

The Veteran's initial rating for hypothyroidism is granted at 30 percent prior to December 10, 2017. The case has been remanded for further development regarding a separate evaluation for cold and numbness of the hands and feet.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypothyroidism, finding that his exposure to herbicides during service is related to his condition. The decision is based on a May 2018 VA medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for memory loss, secondary to residuals of subtotal transsphenoidal resection of benign pituitary macroadenoma. The Board also denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's papillary thyroid cancer status post thyroidectomy with hypothyroidism is not productive of myxedema, and thus does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7903. The Board finds no residuals or symptoms attributable to this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for Crohn’s Disease and hypothyroidism due to a duty to assist error. A VA examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to his active service, including herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for thyroid cancer has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his thyroid cancer, including consideration of exposure to ionizing radiation and herbicide agents.

The Board has vacated the December 14, 2016 decision due to the Veteran's death and remanded the claims for service connection for sinusitis, thyroid condition, a rating higher than 40 percent for residuals of TBI, and entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Veteran's service connection claims for plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuroma, pes planus, and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the feet have been granted. The claim for thyroid disorder is remanded.,Service connection has been established for plantar fasciitis on a direct basis due to its onset during active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and the need for additional VA treatment records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for lung disability, including calcified granulomata in the left lung, lung nodules, asbestosis, and thyroid disability, including enlarged thyroid, goiter, Hashimoto’s disease, and a follicular adenoma.

The Veteran's appeal to reduce her hyperthyroidism rating from 10 percent to noncompensable was dismissed because the RO restored the 10 percent rating in a September 2020 decision, which satisfied all concerns raised by the Veteran’s former attorney.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer due to a lack of updated medical records and further examination. The issues are inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's hypothyroidism, finding that it is related to herbicide agent exposure during service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoporosis, osteopenia of the left and right feet have been denied.,Service connection for thyroid condition and prostate condition (enlarged prostate) has been remanded due to potential exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's sleep disorder, bilateral hearing loss, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and acquired psychiatric disability (to include depression and anxiety) are all currently rated.,The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected disabilities, specifically Meniere’s syndrome and the cardiovascular conditions. The Board found that these conditions aggravated his heart issues and contributed to his cause of death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to May 28, 2014 due to non-compliance with previous orders. The case is now referred to VA’s Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's thyroid disability, which preexisted his third period of service from 2005-2006, is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it was permanently aggravated during this time.,The Veteran's abdominal scar, post hernia repair, is also being remanded for a VA examination to determine if an increased rating is warranted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of thyroid cancer, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection for residuals of a prostate condition. The claim for service connection for hypothyroidism is denied, and the claim for service connection for polycythemia vera is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and thyroid cancer for further development to obtain missing personnel records from the Veteran's Army National Guard service.