Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormone. It causes fatigue, a slow heart rate, depression, and unexplained weight gain. If left untreated, it can result in heart failure. What is the VA rating for hypothyroidism? It’s up to 100%, depending on the severity of your condition. And, if you served in Vietnam or were otherwise exposed to Agent Orange, you qualify for benefits because hypothyroidism is presumptively linked to Agent Orange exposure.
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In this article about service-connected hypothyroidism
You’re tired all the time. You can’t seem to get warm. And now you keep gaining weight for no apparent reason. You’re showing symptoms of hypothyroidism. What is the VA rating for hypothyroidism? It’s up to 100% if you can connect it to your military service, including if you were exposed to Agent Orange.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, otherwise known as “underactive thyroid,” is when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormone. The thyroid gland is in the front of your neck. It produces the hormone thyroxine. Too little of the hormone results in various health concerns including an altered heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism. Hypothyroidism can affect anyone, but it’s most common in women over 60.
Signs of hypothyroidism:
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Slow heart rate
- Cold sensitivity
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Unexplained weight gain
- High cholesterol
- Irritability
- Depression
Advanced hypothyroidism can lead to a condition called myxedema, which includes intolerance to cold, muscular weakness, and cardiovascular issues. The term myxedema is also used to describe changes to the skin that include swelling in the face or swollen and thickened skin, especially in the lower legs.
Doctors treat hypothyroidism with hormone replacement medication. If left untreated, the consequences can be severe.
When your thyroid levels are extremely low it is considered a life-threatening type of hypothyroidism called myxedema crisis. It can cause heart failure and result in a coma.
What causes hypothyroidism?
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition. The hereditary condition occurs when the immune system damages the thyroid, causing it to stop making and releasing enough hormone.
But veterans may develop hypothyroidism from exposure to Agent Orange. In fact, hypothyroidism is on the VA’s Agent Orange presumptive list. Presumptive conditions are those the VA automatically assumes relate to veterans’ military service.
How does the VA rate hypothyroidism?
The VA rates hypothyroidism with diagnostic code 7903 in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Hypothyroidism at the myxedema level rates at 100% for six months after diagnosis which would pay $3,831.30 a month. After six months, the VA would rate the symptoms caused by hypothyroidism. For example, digestive concerns, mental health disorders, etc.
Hypothyroidism without myxedema rates at 30% for six months after diagnosis which would pay $537.42 a month. After six months, the VA would rate the symptoms caused by hypothyroidism without myxedema.
How to service connect hypothyroidism
Because hypothyroidism is a presumptive condition, you can service connect it if you can prove that you were in an area prone to Agent Orange exposure. Anyone who served in the Vietnam War can likely connect their service to this exposure. That includes anyone who served in country, in the inland waterways, or up to 12-nautical miles of the coast of Vietnam and Cambodia or served on a base in Thailand. In 2022, the VA began recognizing Agent Orange presumptive conditions for specific dates of service and locations in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa, and Johnston Atoll.
To prove that hypothyroidism is related to service (that isn’t related to Agent Orange), you must submit evidence supporting the connection between the illness and your military service. It’s helpful to know what substances you were exposed to, where, and generally when.
It is possible to receive a secondary service connection for hypothyroidism.
“It’s likely if you’re suffering from hypothyroidism that you may be suffering from other diseases that have formed secondary to hypothyroidism,” said VA disability lawyer Lori Underwood. “Other diseases that are associated with hypothyroidism include heart disease, diabetes, and depression which can all be separately service-connected as well.”
How to get VA disability benefits for hypothyroidism
For the VA to consider disability benefits for hypothyroidism, 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 hypothyroidism. 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 & Woods can help
If the VA denied your benefits for hypothyroidism before or after it was listed as a presumptive condition in 2021, or you need to file an appeal otherwise, contact Woods and Woods. We can help you file an initial claim or appeal a rating decision. You only pay us if we win.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormone. It causes you to feel tired, be sensitive to cold, and gain weight, among other symptoms. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause heart failure.
Yes! Hypothyroidism is a condition listed in the Schedule for Rating Disabilities and also a presumptive condition for those exposed to Agent Orange. That means you qualify for benefits if you can prove you served overseas during the Vietnam War.
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.
