Thyroid disorder decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been reopened, but the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of CFS.,Service connection for neck disability and right shoulder disability is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The rating for hypothyroidism is also remanded.

The Veteran's hyperparathyroidism is granted as secondary to his service-connected chronic kidney disease. His hypertension is granted with a 10 percent initial rating from April 16, 2020.

The Veteran's proposed reduction in the rating for hypothyroidism from 100% to 0% was dismissed as a proposed reduction is not appealable to the Board.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fever, chills, sweats, psoriasis, and hypothyroidism have been denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disorder or condition associated with these symptoms.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hip condition, sinus condition, congenital hypothyroidism, neck condition, and left knee condition have been withdrawn. The claims of service connection for a neck condition and a left knee condition are remanded due to the submission of new evidence material to these claims.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for thyroid cancer should be remanded due to a need for a new advisory opinion considering the revised Health Physics Society's position statement.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error regarding when the Veteran's hypothyroidism first manifested.

The Veteran's IBS and hypothyroidism were denied compensable disability ratings, while his sinusitis was remanded for further examination.,Service connection for sinusitis is pending due to the need for a VA TERA (Toxic Exposure Risk Activity) examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error regarding when the Veteran's hypothyroidism first manifested.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, hyperthyroidism, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus have been granted. The appeals for service connection for a lung disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, brain fog, hypertension, and osteoarthritis are dismissed or remanded.

The Veteran's effective dates for the grants of service connection and increased ratings are set to April 18, 2021.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for service-connected hypothyroidism was denied.,The Veteran's bladder cancer, in remission, is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board dismissed the appeal as to service connection for a thyroid condition because the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The appeal seeking service connection for hypertension prior to August 10, 2022 is dismissed. Service connection for hemorrhoids and a skin disorder are denied. The appeals for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder), colon polyps, and hyperthyroidism are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for papillary thyroid cancer, finding that it initially manifested during active duty and is related to the Veteran's in-service duties as an emergency welder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thyroid disorder, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, manifested within one year of her discharge from her third period of active duty service. Service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and an issue related to the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during service. The claim for service connection is being reviewed again as there was not enough evidence provided at the time of the April 2023 rating decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of hypothyroidism and also denied his request for a higher initial rating. The Board found that there was no evidence to support direct service connection or any other theory of entitlement prior to the enactment of the PACT Act, which granted presumptive service connection based on herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for hypothyroidism, and thus remands the case back to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that earlier effective dates for service connection are not warranted for the Veteran's claimed conditions. The issues of initial disability ratings and an initial compensable rating have been REMANDED for further action.