Thyroid disorder decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service connection claim for hypothyroidism is granted due to the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam, which has not been rebutted.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for hypothyroidism with autoimmune thyroiditis is denied, and the Board finds a duty to assist error in not obtaining a sleep study for his service connection claim for sleep apnea. The case is remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart condition, and hyperparathyroidism were denied as they are not related to service or exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was also denied.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism is currently rated at a noncompensable level, and the Board has determined that a compensable rating is not warranted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically anxiety disorder with insomnia, secondary to service-connected hypothyroidism, is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for osteopenia, an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for CAD, and an initial compensable rating for hypothyroidism are remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran also has a pending claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an etiology opinion regarding the Veteran's thyroid disorder, and the need for a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance from November 15, 2021, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him bedridden or in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism with sinus bradycardia is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability picture.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hyperparathyroidism, insomnia, fibromyalgia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and dizziness/vertigo due to inadequate rationale in the VA examination report. The Veteran's exposure to trichloroethylene during military service is recognized.

The Veteran's right radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The initial PTSD rating remains denied, and the cases for lumbosacral strain, GERD, type II diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's hyperparathyroidism, kidney stones, osteoporosis, and insomnia are all currently diagnosed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to readjudicate his claim for service connection for hypothyroidism, finding that new and relevant evidence supports a link between his in-service exposure to AFFF and PFAS and his current condition. The Board also found that the Veteran's current hypothyroidism is at least as likely as not related to these exposures.

The Veteran's acquired hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis disease are granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active military service.

The Board has denied service connection for left elbow strain and remanded the hypothyroidism claim due to a lack of medical evidence linking the conditions to military service or exposure.

The Veteran's service connection for hypothyroidism was already in effect from August 1, 1997 until his death on August 20, 2019. The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically the need for SSA records related to his disability benefits. The Board will obtain these records and consider them before making a final decision.

The Board granted service connection for a cardiovascular disorder diagnosed as coronary artery disease under the PACT Act, but denied service connection for hypothyroidism and other conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to in-service exposure to toxic chemicals and diesel fuel, as well as other identified TERAs. The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus, recurrent neurological disabilities, thyroid disability, and prostate cancer are being reviewed.

The Board finds that the Veteran's request for higher-level review was timely filed, and thus remands the claims for further review.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance prior to December 15, 2021 was denied as there is no evidence showing he required regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.