Service connection for hypothyroidism is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. Service connection for hypertension, related to in-service herbicide exposure, is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service at Korat RTAFB during the Vietnam Era placed him near the air base perimeter and he has a current diagnosis of hypothyroidism. The presumption of herbicide agent exposure applies due to his service in Thailand. For hypertension, the Board finds sufficient evidence of an association between herbicide exposure and hypertension based on a recent NAS report.
- Claimed conditions
- hypothyroidism, hypertension
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 4, 2021
- Citation
- A21016284
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A21016284.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and increased rating for anxiety disorder have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for hypertension, and the Veteran's anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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