The Veteran's initial rating for his multinodular benign thyroid condition with surgery and hypothyroidism is on appeal, as well as the propriety of a reduction from 60% to zero percent as of July 1, 2022. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to afford the Veteran VA examinations to determine the nature and severity of his thyroid disability and any associated acquired psychiatric disorder.
The deciding factor: The Board found pre-decisional duty to assist error in not rescheduling the Veteran's previously cancelled VA examinations due to COVID-19, leading to a remand for such examinations.
- Claimed conditions
- Multinodular benign thyroid condition, Hair loss, Weight gain/obesity, Mood disorder, Pain in the neck, Swelling, Chronic fatigue, Weakness, Temperature intolerance
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 2, 2024
- Citation
- A24079467
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 A24079467.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis, muscle pain, joint pain, sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, migraine headaches, and sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations.
- Granted
The Veteran's hair loss and some other conditions are granted service connection, while the right hand disability is denied. The Veteran also has a new rating for his low back condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy, result in a loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board finds that the statutory and regulatory criteria for specially adapted housing are met, thus granting the benefit.
- Denied
The Veteran's eligibility to enroll in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is denied because he does not require personal care services due to an inability to perform ADLs or a need for supervision, protection, or instruction. The Board found that the evidence shows the Veteran is generally independent and able to complete his ADLs without hands-on assistance.
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