Getting Hypothyroidism VA Disability: Ratings, Service Connection and Winning Claims

Hypothyroidism means your thyroid isn’t making enough hormones, which slows your metabolism and throws your whole body off balance. If left untreated, it can lead to severe health issues, including heart disease. Hypothyroidism has been a growing concern among military members and veterans, with a significant number developing the condition during and after service.

Between 2002 and 2011, the rate of idiopathic hypothyroidism among active-duty U.S. military personnel was 39.7 cases per 10,000 person-years in women and 7.8 cases per 10,000 person-years in men. 

For many veterans, hypothyroidism affects more than just their health—it impacts quality of life. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, depression, and chronic pain can make it difficult to hold a job, maintain relationships, or even complete daily tasks. This article will explain how to get hypothyroidism VA ratings and benefits. 

What Is the VA Rating for Hypothyroidism? 

The VA assigns hypothyroidism a disability rating of 100% (with myxedema) or 30% (without myxedema), based on how severe the condition is. The ratings are given for six months, after which the VA reevaluates the condition and assigns a new rating based on residuals and complications under the appropriate body system.  

100% VA Rating for Hypothyroidism

You can get a 100% disability rating if your hypothyroidism comes with myxedema, a severe and life-threatening form of the disease. To qualify, you need to have symptoms like: 

• Cold intolerance – Always feeling freezing, even when others are comfortable.
• Muscle weakness – Struggling to move, lift, or function normally.
• Heart issues – Things like low blood pressure, slow heart rate (bradycardia), or pericardial effusion (fluid buildup around the heart, which can cause chest pain, fatigue, and trouble breathing).
• Mental disturbances – Including depression, slowed thinking, or even dementia.

This 100% rating isn’t permanent—the VA gives it for six months after your condition stabilizes. After that, they’ll reassess your symptoms and rate each one under the appropriate body system. For example, if hypothyroidism causes vision problems, the VA will rate you under their visual impairment criteria instead. 

30% VA Rating for Hypothyroidism 

If you have hypothyroidism without myxedema, the VA grants a temporary 30% rating for six months after your initial diagnosis. Once those six months are up, the VA won’t rate hypothyroidism separately anymore. Instead, they’ll look at your ongoing residuals or complications – such as eye, cardiac, or digestive involvement, and mental disorders – and assign ratings under the relevant body systems. 

After the six-month mark, your hypothyroidism rating disappears, and the VA focuses only on your ongoing symptoms. That means: 

• If hypothyroidism damaged your heart, you’d get rated under cardiovascular conditions.
• If it caused brain fog or depression, your rating would fall under mental health conditions.
• If you have severe fatigue or mobility issues, they’d rate it under musculoskeletal or neurological impairments.

Because of this reassessment process, veterans need to make sure all their symptoms are documented. If you’re still struggling with the effects of hypothyroidism, you should push for proper evaluations to get the rating you deserve. 

The VA doesn’t offer a permanent rating just for hypothyroidism, so getting the right long-term disability compensation depends on how well your medical records show your ongoing struggles. 

What Is the VA Rating for Hypothyroidism with Medication? 

If you are taking medication to manage your hypothyroidism, you may no longer qualify for a separate rating unless you still experience disabling symptoms. Veterans should ensure their medical records fully document ongoing issues to receive the appropriate disability compensation. 

Hypothyroidism, Agent Orange and the Pact Act 

For years, Vietnam veterans who developed hypothyroidism after being exposed to Agent Orange had to fight to prove their condition was service-connected. The VA didn’t recognize hypothyroidism as a presumptive condition, making it difficult for veterans to get the disability benefits and healthcare they deserved. 

While thyroid disorders are not covered by the PACT Act, in January 2021 the VA added hypothyroidism to the list of presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure as a result of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act. This means: 

• Vietnam veterans with hypothyroidism no longer have to prove direct service connection. If you meet the eligibility requirements, the VA automatically assumes your thyroid condition was caused by Agent Orange exposure.
• You can now receive VA disability benefits without having to fight through mountains of paperwork and appeals.
• If you were previously denied benefits for hypothyroidism, you can reapply under the new guidelines and have your claim reconsidered.

How and When Are VA Disability Claims for Hypothyroidism Granted? 

To receive a disability rating from the VA, a veteran must meet the following three key criteria: 

1. A Current Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism 

First, a veteran must have a formal diagnosis of hypothyroidism from a licensed medical professional. This condition must be documented through medical records, lab tests, and physician evaluations. 

2. An In-Service Event, Injury, or Illness 

To qualify for VA disability, a veteran must prove that their hypothyroidism is connected to military service. This means showing that an event, injury, or exposure during active duty caused or aggravated the thyroid disorder. 

3. A Medical Nexus (Link) Between Service and Hypothyroidism 

A veteran must provide medical evidence showing that their hypothyroidism is at least as likely as not connected to their military service. This is called a “nexus” statement and is typically written by a VA or private doctor. 

The nexus letter should clearly explain how the in-service exposure or event led to thyroid dysfunction. For example, if a veteran was exposed to burn pits and later developed hypothyroidism, a doctor should provide evidence linking the exposure to thyroid damage.  

Service Connection for Hypothyroidism 

Thanks to the recent update to the Agent Orange presumptive list, hypothyroidism is now officially recognized as a service-connected condition for Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange. This means that if you served in Vietnam and developed hypothyroidism, the VA now presumes your condition was caused by your exposure, making it much easier to qualify for disability benefits. 

While Agent Orange is now recognized as a cause, it’s not the only toxic exposure that can lead to thyroid dysfunction. Veterans who were exposed to other hazardous chemicals during service may also develop hypothyroidism. Some of the known thyroid-disrupting chemicals include: 

• Solvents (including TCE/trichloroethylene)
• Radiation exposure
• Lead
• Ammonium perchlorate (found in rocket and missile fuel)
• Perfluoroalkyl acid (AFFF foam) (firefighting foam used on military bases)
• Pesticides
• Chlorine dioxide (used in water disinfection)
• Heavy metals
• Benzopyrene (found in JP-4 jet fuel and other exhaust fumes)
• Dioxins (TCDD) (found in Agent Orange and burn pits)
• Coal smoke
• Wood preservatives (used in military burn pits)

If you were exposed to any of these while serving in the military and later developed hypothyroidism, you may still qualify for VA disability benefits, even if your service wasn’t in Vietnam.

Secondary Service Connection

Hypothyroidism can develop secondary to other service-connected conditions, especially those that affect iodine regulation, the pituitary gland, or the immune system.

Certain medications prescribed for mental health, heart disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis, and cancer can induce thyroid dysfunction. Drugs like lithium, amiodarone, and carbamazepine are known triggers. If a veteran develops hypothyroidism due to a VA-prescribed medication, they may qualify for a secondary service connection. 

PTSD is also a major risk factor—veterans with PTSD are up to eight times more likely to develop thyroid dysfunction due to the link between chronic stress, the immune system, and hormonal regulation. Conditions like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Gulf War Syndrome may also share underlying immune dysfunction with hypothyroidism. 

What to do if the claim is denied? 

Even with the updated presumptive list and new scientific evidence, some veterans still face denials when filing for hypothyroidism-related VA disability benefits. If your claim isn’t approved or you receive a rating lower than expected, you have the right to challenge the decision. 

• You must initiate a decision review process within one year from the date listed on your VA award letter.
• Consider filing a Supplemental Claim if you have new medical evidence linking your condition to service.
• If you believe the VA made a mistake, you can request a Higher-Level Review or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for reconsideration.

If you think your hypothyroidism is related to military exposure—whether to Agent Orange, burn pits, or other hazardous substances—don’t wait to take action. Get your medical records, service history, and toxic exposure details together, and make sure the VA gives you the disability compensation you’ve earned.

Preparing for the C&P Exam for Hypothyroidism 

Once you file a VA disability claim for hypothyroidism, expect a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to follow. The VA will send you the time, date, and location, and while the examiner may not be an endocrinologist, they’ll have basic knowledge of thyroid disorders. 

During the exam, they’ll fill out a Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ) to evaluate your condition. Key areas they’ll focus on include: 

• Diagnosis – Confirming your hypothyroidism and noting any other related conditions.
• Physical Exam – Checking your neck, pulse, blood pressure, and reflexes for thyroid-related issues.
• Diagnostic Testing – Asking about any lab work or imaging used to monitor your thyroid.
• Impact on Work – Evaluating how hypothyroidism affects your job performance and daily life.

To get the most accurate rating, be upfront about your symptoms. Explain how fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, or other issues impact your daily routine. If hypothyroidism makes working difficult, say so clearly. Also, bring any recent lab results or doctor’s notes to support your claim. 

The C&P exam is your chance to show how hypothyroidism affects you, so don’t downplay your symptoms. The more details you provide, the better your chances of getting the VA rating you deserve. 

Hypothyroidism Symptoms 

• Slowed heart rate – A dangerously slow heart rate can lead to fatigue, dizziness, fainting, and heart failure, making it a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
• Increased cholesterol – High cholesterol caused by hypothyroidism raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
• Memory issues – Cognitive decline, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating can affect daily life, work, and personal relationships.
• Depression – Severe, persistent depression can lead to difficulty functioning, mood instability, and a higher risk of suicidal thoughts.
• Joint pain and stiffness – Chronic joint pain can cause limited mobility, discomfort, and difficulty performing physical tasks.
• Heavy menstrual periods – Excessively long or intense menstrual cycles can lead to severe fatigue, anemia, and hormonal imbalances.
• Muscle weakness – Loss of strength can limit physical activity and increase the risk of falls and injuries.
• Fatigue – Persistent exhaustion can make it difficult to work, drive, or complete daily responsibilities.
• Weight gain – Unexplained and excessive weight gain can lead to diabetes, joint strain, and other metabolic disorders.
• Thyroid enlargement (goiter) – A visibly swollen thyroid can cause difficulty swallowing, discomfort, and breathing problems.
• Hoarseness – Changes in voice quality can indicate throat inflammation or airway issues.
• Puffy face – Fluid retention can alter appearance and indicate worsening thyroid dysfunction.
• Altered body temperature – Fluctuations in body temperature can lead to heat or cold intolerance, discomfort, and difficulty regulating body functions.
• Cold intolerance – Extreme sensitivity to cold can impact daily comfort and productivity.
• Thinning hair – Hair loss can cause self-esteem issues and signal worsening hormonal imbalances.
• Dry skin – Chronic dryness can lead to itching, cracking, and skin infections.
• Constipation – Slow digestion can cause discomfort, bloating, and gastrointestinal issues.

The VA assigns higher ratings to veterans with severe symptoms that significantly impact their ability to work or perform daily tasks. Less severe symptoms, while still considered, may result in lower ratings or be used to support a secondary condition claim. Veterans experiencing multiple symptoms should ensure all are documented in their medical records to strengthen their VA disability claim. 

Getting 100% VA Disability for Hypothyroidism 

To receive a 100% disability rating for hypothyroidism, a veteran must have myxedema with symptoms such as: 

• Severe fatigue and muscular weakness
• Slowed heart rate (bradycardia)
• Cardiovascular complications (such as fluid buildup around the heart, leading to chest pain and shortness of breath)
• Cognitive impairment (including slowed thinking, depression, or dementia-like symptoms)

Six months after the initial 100% rating, the VA will reevaluate the condition and assign ratings based on any residual symptoms. If complications persist — such as heart problems, neurological issues, or metabolic disorders — the VA will rate each of these conditions separately under the appropriate body system.

Hypothyroidism with Secondary Conditions

Since the 100% rating is temporary, veterans must ensure all ongoing symptoms are documented in medical records. If hypothyroidism has led to secondary conditions — such as cardiac disease, depression, or chronic fatigue syndrome — these should be claimed separately to help maintain a higher overall rating.

If the VA lowers your rating after six months, you can appeal the decision if your symptoms still severely impact your daily life. A nexus letter from a doctor explaining the long-term effects of hypothyroidism can strengthen your case.

TDIU, the Alternative to a 100% Rating

While long-term 100% ratings for hypothyroidism are rare, veterans experiencing serious complications or multiple service-connected conditions may still qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% rate if hypothyroidism and its effects prevent the veteran from maintaining substantial employment. 

Our team can guide you through the appeals process and help you increase your VA rating or obtain TDIU if you are eligible. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.