Thyroid disorder decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and thyroid condition have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for a thyroid disorder, lipoma of the left arm, cysts of the bilateral ovaries, and cysts of the bilateral breasts. The Veteran's thyroid disorder was diagnosed during the appeal period and may be related to in-service exposure to radiation from X-ray machines and/or X-ray film processing chemicals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thyroid disorder manifested within one year of her separation from active duty, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck condition and hyperparathyroidism. The neck condition claim is denied, while the endocrine system claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism is granted a 30 percent rating, effective December 1, 2017. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder is found to be the primary cause of his hypothyroidism. The hearing loss claim has been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of thyroid cancer, finding that it is related to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. The decision was based on a review of medical research and studies provided by the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a thyroid condition, including multinodular goiter, as it was not related to his active service exposure to mustard gas and/or ionizing radiation. The July 2023 VA medical examiner found that the condition was less likely than not related to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss does not meet the level required to be a disability for VA purposes.,The Board also denied service connection for residuals of a thyroidectomy, including as secondary to asbestos exposure. The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's hypothyroidism to his in-service exposures.

The Board has granted service connection for tremors, gout, kidney stones and cyst, and hypothyroidism status post thyroidectomy, all of which are found to be related to herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has denied service connection for right shoulder, cervical spine, bilateral hip, and thyroid disorders due to lack of evidence showing a link between these conditions and the Veteran's active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune, as these conditions are not eligible for presumptive service connection based on service at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran is entitled to a new TERA examination to determine if there is an association between his claimed conditions and his toxic exposure risk activity.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral knee disability was reopened, and he is now granted service connection. His claims for asthma are also granted, but his claims for thyroid disability, cervical spine disability, hypertension (secondary to major depressive disorder), sleep disability, bilateral hip disability, and erectile dysfunction (secondary to thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS) remain pending.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for hyperthyroidism, as secondary to her service-connected major depressive disorder, needs further investigation and evidence collection. The case is being sent back to the RO for this purpose.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and he meets the criteria for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.,Service connection for recurrent sleep disability (obstructive sleep apnea) and thyroid disability (hypothyroidism and obesity) are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of September 30, 2011 for the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for thyroid disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and knee scars are granted. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran was granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. Prior to August [REDACTED], 2016, the Board denied nonservice-connected pension benefits due to the Veteran's employment and net worth.,From August [REDACTED], 2016 to February 29, 2020, the Board granted nonservice-connected pension benefits as the Veteran met all criteria for basic entitlement.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is now rated at a 30 percent disability effective October 25, 2007. Prior to that date, the rating was denied.