If you have a thyroid disorder that was either caused or exacerbated by your military service, you may qualify for VA disability benefits. But if just the thought of filling out VA paperwork stresses you out, we understand. As fellow veterans, we know how complex the VA can be. And as lawyers, we know firsthand how disability requirements and rules are always changing. Filing an appeal after a thyroid disorder claim denial from Veteran Affairs can leave you feeling defeated.
Before you file an appeal for VA disability thyroid disorder benefits, contact us. We can help you navigate this complex process. When you work with us on your disability appeal, you don’t pay anything upfront. We only collect payment if we are successful in securing your benefits.
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Have You Received a Denial From Veteran Affairs for Your Thyroid Disorder Claim?
Nothing is more defeating than spending a lot of time and effort on paperwork, only to have your application denied. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why you may get a denial from Veteran Affairs for your thyroid disorder claim. The most common issues we see are:
- You accidentally filled out the incorrect form. There are dozens of forms on the VA’s website and many have similar-sounding names. It’s easy to submit or mail in the wrong paperwork.
- You missed some type of deadline. The VA may need more information to process your claim. If the VA gives you more paperwork to fill out, you’ll need to send it back by a certain date. When you work with our attorneys, we’ll keep an eye on any deadlines. You just need to go to any required doctor appointments.
- You’re told that your thyroid disorder is not a service-connected illness. These decision-makers don’t know you as a person or what you’ve been through. We see our clients as human beings and not just a diagnostic code. Our VA accredited attorneys know how the VA establishes service connections. We can make sure your claim or appeal is as strong as possible.
If your claim was denied, that isn’t necessarily the final word. You can appeal a VA disability denial. We can help you with the appeal process even if we didn’t work on your initial application.
How Does the VA Rate Thyroid Disorders?
The VA’s disability rating is determined by the severity of your thyroid disorder. The VA reviews:
- Any medical records and doctor’s notes that you submitted
- The VA claim exam results, if applicable
- Documentation from another veteran, like a “buddy statement“
- Information from non-military members (lay sources)
Your disability rating will be shown as a percentage. If you have more than one service-connected condition, the VA assigns what is called a combined disability rating. A combined disability rating will not exceed 100%.
The rating criteria for thyroid disorders are listed in Title 38, § 4.119 Schedule of Ratings – endocrine system of the Code of Federal Regulations. The VA’s eligibility criteria for thyroid disorder disability benefits can differ from another organization’s criteria.
Hyperthyroidism, Including Graves’ Disease (Diagnostic Code 7900)
If you have a hyperthyroidism diagnosis, the VA will initially assign a 30% rating. Veterans are later reevaluated based on their symptoms and any treatment complications.
Thyroid Enlargement, Toxic (Diagnostic Code 7901) & Thyroid Enlargement, Nontoxic (Diagnostic Code 7902)
Thyroid enlargement is not a sufficient diagnosis for a disability rating on its own. It is evaluated under other diagnostic codes, depending on the cause of the thyroid enlargement and what body systems are affected.
Hypothyroidism (Diagnostic Code 7903)
Hypothyroidism ratings depend on the presence of myxedema:
- An initial diagnosis manifesting as myxedema is rated at 100%.
- An initial diagnosis without myxedema is 30%.
Both conditions are later reevaluated based on “residuals of disease or medical treatment.”
Hyperparathyroidism (Diagnostic Code 7904)
Hyperparathyroidism has several possible disability ratings:
- The first six months from the date of discharge after surgery, 100%. This rating will be reevaluated.
- Hypercalcemia that meets specific criteria, 60%.
- Certain symptoms that “occur despite surgery” or in individuals who require continuous medication but are not candidates for surgery, 10%.
Hypoparathyroidism (Diagnostic Code 7905)
Hypoparathyroidism is rated 100% for the three months after initial diagnosis. This rating is then reevaluated.
Thyroiditis (Diagnostic Code 7906)
Depending on the nature and symptoms of thyroiditis, it is evaluated under other diagnostic codes. Thyroiditis “with normal thyroid function” is rated at 0%.
Neoplasm, Malignant, Any Specified Part of the Endocrine System (Diagnostic Code 7914)
Thyroid cancer is rated at 100% throughout treatment. After a defined time frame, further evaluation is necessary, and residuals of cancer, including secondary conditions caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatment, are rated separately.
How to Maximize Your VA Disability Rating for Hypothyroidism
Maximizing your VA disability rating for hypothyroidism involves understanding the specific criteria set by the VA and effectively demonstrating how your condition impacts your daily life and overall health. Start by ensuring that your medical records comprehensively document your diagnosis and ongoing symptoms, emphasizing any fluctuations or exacerbations of your condition. Gathering supporting evidence, such as detailed medical evaluations, personal statements, and testimonies from family or friends about the impact of your hypothyroidism, can strengthen your case. It’s also crucial to stay informed about any changes in VA regulations that might affect your rating. Consulting with a knowledgeable VA disability attorney can provide personalized guidance, helping you navigate the complexities of the claims process and ensuring that you receive the highest possible rating for your condition.
Common Causes of Service-Related Thyroid Disorders
Service-related thyroid disorders are often caused by exposure to certain substances. Veterans who had Agent Orange exposure, who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or who worked near a military burn pit in Iraq, Afghanistan, or elsewhere may develop a thyroid disorder. There is always new and emerging information about the VA’s criteria for service-connected conditions. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, give us a call.
How Is a Service Connection Established for Thyroid Disorder?
Service connection requires establishing a link between a thyroid disorder diagnosis and an in-service occurrence. The VA formally refers to this link as a “nexus.” The in-service occurrence must have caused the thyroid disorder or exacerbated an existing thyroid disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may be eligible to receive disability payments from the VA if your thyroid disorder has been formally diagnosed, is service-connected, and meets the diagnostic code criteria. It’s difficult to figure out eligibility on your own. If your initial claim is not approved, contact us for help with your appeal for benefits.
The VA pays out monetary benefits for veterans who have been diagnosed with certain service-connected conditions. If you are a veteran with a thyroid disorder such as thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism, you may be eligible for this VA compensation.
Hypothyroidism is a presumptive condition for veterans who had Agent Orange exposure. The VA’s regulations for presumptive health conditions are always changing. If your thyroid disorder claim was denied in the past, you could now be eligible. Give us a call to learn more.
Contact VetLaw Today About Appealing a Veteran Thyroid Disorder Claim Denial
A Veteran Disability Lawyer’s role is to assist you throughout the confusing and often frustrating appeals process if you have received a denial on your claim for a service-connected physical condition. Generally, you need to be denied at least once before an attorney can assist, but once a lawyer is involved, they will often be able to quickly determine what needs to be done in order to prove entitlement.
If your VA disability claim for thyroid disorder has been denied, be sure to contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw right away to help make sure you get the entitlement you deserve.
