The Veteran's service connection claims for hypothyroidism, bilateral eye disorder, and throat condition have been denied. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's eye conditions and throat symptoms.

The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that any of the Veteran’s current eye or throat conditions were incurred in service or due to exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Hypothyroidism","diagnosis_details":"Current diagnosis of hypothyroidism for the entire appellate period. Evidence shows that the Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune as defined in the regulations."}, {"condition_name":"Bilateral Eye Disorder (including Pinguecula, Dry Eyes, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Asthenopia, Diffuse Keratitis)","diagnosis_details":"Diagnosed with pinguecula, dry eyes, meibomian gland dysfunction, asthenopia, diffuse keratitis. Additional diagnoses of cataracts and refractive error were also noted."}, {"condition_name":"Throat Condition (excluding Hypothyroidism)","diagnosis_details":"Primary symptom reported by the Veteran is throat irritation, swelling, difficulty swallowing. The Veteran has submitted evidence indicating these symptoms began in service and continued to present day."}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

January 23, 2019

Citation

19105580