The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for post-surgical hypothyroidism, status post malignant neoplasm of the thyroid was denied as there is no evidence of myxedema and the condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not indicate that the Veteran has a diagnosis of myxedema, which is required for a higher disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7903.
- Claimed conditions
- post-surgical hypothyroidism, malignant neoplasm of the thyroid
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 7, 2026
- Citation
- A26031352
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 A26031352.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for cirrhosis of the liver/ruptured liver, normocytic anemia, malignant neoplasm of the thyroid, and chronic kidney disease stage II based on a lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to in-service exposure or other in-service events.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1318, as the Veteran was not receiving or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for a continuous period of at least 10 years immediately preceding death.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection of thyroid cancer to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error, as VA failed to obtain relevant personnel records and a new medical opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the claims for service connection for Graves' disease and post-surgical hypothyroidism. The Veteran's exposure to environmental toxins in service has been established, and further examination is required.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.