The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypothyroidism, lumbar spine disability (secondary to service connected bilateral knee disorders), hypertension secondary to PTSD with depression, and an effective date earlier than November 12, 2008 for the grant of an increased rating for PTSD. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD with depression was denied from August 20, 2011 onwards. The Veteran's right knee synovitis and scars residual to gunshot wound of abdomen were not rated higher than their current levels.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish that the Veteran's hypothyroidism or symptoms thereof manifested within one year of separation from service, nor was there any competent medical opinion linking his hypothyroidism to Agent Orange exposure. The Board found no nexus between the Veteran's PTSD and his lumbar spine disability (secondary to service connected bilateral knee disorders) or hypertension secondary to PTSD with depression. The effective date for the increased rating for PTSD was determined to be November 12, 2008, as this is the earliest date that an increase in disability could have occurred.
- Claimed conditions
- hypothyroidism, lumbar spine disability (secondary to service connected bilateral knee disorders), hypertension (secondary to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with depression), PTSD with depression
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 3, 2014
- Citation
- 1414450
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1414450.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for hypothyroidism is denied, and the Board finds that service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease and bilateral foot condition should be remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypothyroidism and therefore denied their claim for service connection.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was dismissed. The Board granted service connection for hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis with complications, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, vitamin deficiencies, memory/cognitive impairment, unexplained arthralgias, fatigue, hair loss, and bradycardia.
- Whole decision: Granted
The appellant is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits, effective September 1, 2020.
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