The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for hypothyroidism, finding that the appellant is not a Nehmer class member and thus does not qualify for an earlier effective date under 38 C.F.R. § 3.816.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the appellant served in the Republic of Vietnam or otherwise met the criteria to be considered a Nehmer class member, so he is not entitled to an earlier effective date for service connection based on this theory.

Claimed conditions

hypothyroidism (status post papillary thyroid carcinoma/thyroidectomy with residual hypothyroidism)

How they argued it

Reopened with new and material evidence

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 18, 2025

Citation

A25100271

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