Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid gland produces too much hormone. It causes a myriad of symptoms and, if left untreated, can result in heart disease and eye problems that can cause blindness. What is the VA rating for hyperthyroidism? It’s 30%. But first, you have to connect it to your military service.
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In this article about the VA rating for hyperthyroidism
You don’t feel like yourself. You’re tired all the time, no matter how much sleep you get. You seem to sweat nonstop, and you feel weak like maybe you’re getting sick. You’re losing weight, but don’t know why. Then you notice that the front of your neck feels swollen.
Now you’re really concerned that these symptoms you thought were annoyances may be something more severe. You might be correct. You’re showing signs of hyperthyroidism.
What is the VA rating for hyperthyroidism? It’s 30% if you can connect it to your military service, including if it involved using chemicals for fire or pest control.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism, otherwise known as “overactive thyroid,” is when your thyroid gland produces too much hormone. The thyroid gland is in the front of your neck. It produces the hormone thyroxine, which is vital to heart, digestive, and brain functioning. It’s also critical for bone health and muscle control. In other words, proper thyroxine levels are essential for just about every aspect of your health. Too much of the hormone results in various health conditions, from minor to severe.
Signs of hyperthyroidism:
- Increased metabolism resulting in unexpected weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Sweating and difficulty tolerating heat
- Nervousness, irritability, and mood swings
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Muscle weakness
- Hand tremors
- Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
- An enlarged thyroid gland, which can cause problems breathing or swallowing
- Thinning skin and hair
Hyperthyroidism also may cause people 60 or older to socially withdraw, which may be mistaken for depression or the onset of dementia.
Doctors treat hyperthyroidism with medication, iodine therapy, or surgery, depending on the case.
Effects of hyperthyroidism
If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause:
- Heart issues, including blood clots, stroke, or heart failure
- Graves’ ophthalmopathy, an eye disease that can cause double vision, light sensitivity, eye pain, exophthalmos (bulging eyes), and even vision loss
- Thinning bones and osteoporosis
- Fertility problems
What causes hyperthyroidism?
Many conditions can cause hyperthyroidism, including Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease. Growths on the thyroid can result in hyperthyroidism. Also, medications used to treat depression or trauma disorders, like post-traumatic stress disorder, can affect the thyroid.
Veterans may develop hyperthyroidism from the chemicals they were exposed to during their military service. Studies show that exposure to certain flame retardants, like Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers, and pesticides that include organochlorines can result in hyperthyroidism.
How does the VA rate hyperthyroidism?
The VA rates hyperthyroidism using diagnostic code 7900 under the endocrine system in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The hyperthyroidism rating is 30% for six months after diagnosis which would pay $537.42 a month. After six months, the VA would rate the symptoms caused by hyperthyroidism—for example, heart disease, Graves’ Disease, or toxic or nontoxic thyroid enlargement.
How to service connect hyperthyroidism
You may be able to service connect hyperthyroidism if you were exposed to flame retardants, like Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers, and pesticides that include organochlorines while in service. You may also be able to connect it from toxic exposure to burn pits or missile or rocket fuel. Essentially, any chemical exposure should be considered when attempting to connect hyperthyroidism.
To prove that hyperthyroidism is related to service, you must submit evidence supporting the connection between the illness and your military service. It’s helpful to know what you were exposed to, where, and generally when.
VA service connection for hyperthyroidism
There are generally four ways to establish a service connection for hyperthyroidism:
- Caused by service. Your military service, including chemical exposure, caused your illness.
- Misdiagnosis. Your hyperthyroidism was misdiagnosed during service, as shown in your military records. A doctor correctly diagnosed it after the fact.
- Secondary service connection. Hyperthyroidism can be a secondary service-connected disability from other service-connected disabilities like post-traumatic stress disorder, which causes a higher likelihood of developing autoimmune disorders. There also may be a link between hyperthyroidism and some medications used for depression and trauma disorders.
- Service worsened the condition. You already had hyperthyroidism, but your military service made it worse through something like chemical exposure or medication issues.
How to get VA disability benefits for hyperthyroidism
For the VA to consider disability benefits for hyperthyroidism, you must file a claim. The VA will usually request a Compensation and Pension exam. The examining physician will draw blood and review your hormone levels to diagnose hyperthyroidism. They also will ask you questions about your symptoms and service. If the VA schedules an exam, you should attend it to avoid denial of your claim.
You also can use a Disability Benefits Questionnaire to help your claim. The questionnaire allows your physician to address symptoms, severity, possible causes, and how the condition may be related to other health concerns. A private physician can complete the form for you.
Once the VA processes your claim for benefits, you will receive a rating decision containing either a grant or a denial. If the VA denies your benefits, you can file an appeal. If you win your appeal, you should receive monthly compensation plus compensation back to when you filed your claim.
Woods and Woods can help
If you experience hyperthyroidism that you think connects to your military service, you deserve VA disability compensation. Contact Woods and Woods to file an initial claim or appeal a rating decision. You only pay us if we win.
Woods and Woods has helped thousands of veterans with their VA disability applications and appeals. Call us today to discuss your VA disability appeal or your first application. The call is free and we won’t charge you a single fee until we win your case.
All of our attorneys are accredited by the VA. Call us and join the thousands of veterans we have helped to receive the VA disability benefits they deserve.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The rating for hyperthyroidism is rated listed under the endocrine system as diagnostic code 7900 in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities at 30% for six months after diagnosis. After six months, the VA would rate the symptoms caused by hyperthyroidism.
No, it’s not too late. You may be able to present evidence that you were displaying symptoms of hyperthyroidism during service and present records that indicate what caused it.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
