fbpx

Getting the VA Disability Benefits You Deserve for Hypothyroidism: A Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎

Written by

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, just below the “Adam’s apple.”  

It’s part of the endocrine system, produces thyroid hormones, controls how sensitive your body is to other hormones, regulates the production of proteins, and regulates how your body uses energy.

Thyroid disorders can affect your health in a number of ways.

Some veterans may be experiencing a type of thyroid dysfunction called hypothyroidism, which is often linked to chemical exposure or iodine deficiency. There is also increasing evidence that hypothyroidism is linked to Agent Orange exposure.

While it can be difficult to obtain service connection, veterans living with hypothyroidism may be eligible for benefits through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Recently, there have been great news for Vietnam veterans suffering from hypothyroidism now that it’s been added to the Agent Orange presumptive list of conditions.

what is the thyroid gland? hypothyroidism and agent orange

What Is Hypothyroidism?

Thyroid dysfunction comes in three “flavors:” hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer and they’re all bad.

Hypothyroidism can simply be thought of as “not enough thyroid,” or underactive thyroid causing low hormone levels, and can have severe repercussions on many different bodily functions, which can easily cause secondary health problems

For instance, one of the most well-known symptoms of hypothyroidism is obesity, which can cause a whole host of cardiovascular and even orthopedic problems.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

  • Fatigue
  • Dry skin
  • Muscle weakness
  • Cold intolerance
  • Constipation
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Weight gain
  • Puffy face
  • Hoarseness
  • Heavy menstrual periods
  • Thinning hair
  • Depression
  • Memory issues
  • Increased cholesterol
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Thyroid enlargement
  • Altered body temperature
  • And more

Hyperthyroidism, also referred to as “Graves disease,” can be thought of as “too much thyroid” or an overactive thyroid.  

While you can take synthetic thyroid substitutes to improve hypothyroidism, often the only medical treatment for hyperthyroidism is to flood the thyroid with radioactive iodine, which induces hypothyroidism.

Thyroid cancer can also lead to the removal of the thyroid, and will also lead to hypothyroidism. So, in the long run, most people with thyroid problems will develop hypothyroidism.

VA Ratings for Thyroid Conditions

Conditions of the thyroid are rated under 38 CFR §4.119.

DC 7900 Hyperthyroidism including Graves Disease

Hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid, is a condition where the thyroid gland will produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

  • Fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Heat intolerance
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Weight loss
  • Eye swelling

Once initially diagnosed, veterans are assigned a 30 percent disability rating for six months.

After, they are re-evaluated and rated based on continuing symptoms or any medical complications.

The VA uses diagnostic codes from affected parts of the body to rate complications or any remaining symptoms.

DC 7901 Toxic Thyroid Enlargement

Also known as goiter, this condition is when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces too many hormones.

DC 7902 Nontoxic Thyroid Enlargement

Also an enlarged thyroid gland but doesn’t have an impact on hormone production.

DC 7903 Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid condition where the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient thyroid hormone. Symptoms include:

  • Weight gain
  • Cold intolerance
  • Fatigue
  • Dry skin
  • Hair loss
  • Constipation
  • Heavy or irregular menstral cycles
  • Depression
  • Slowed heart rate

Myxedema is an advanced form of hypothyroidism and is life-threatening in some cases. If you are diagnosed with this condition, you will receive a 100 percent disability rating.

If you do not have myxedema, you are assigned a rating of 30 percent for six months.

DC 7906 Thyroiditis

Inflammation of the thyroid gland. It may not produce symptoms but can lead to hyper/hypothyroidism. If there are no symptoms, you will be assigned a rating of 0 percent.

DC 7914 Malignant Neoplasm of the endocrine system

Veterans with thyroid cancer automatically receive a 100 percent rating while the cancer is diagnosed.

Service Connection for Hypothyroidism

For years, many veterans had difficulty getting their thyroid-related disability service connected.

However, thanks to a recent update to the Agent Orange presumptive list of conditions, hypothyroidism is now presumed to be connected to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War.

If VA denied your claim in the past for hypothyroidism, they will automatically review your case again so check your mail because they usually send a letter.

Additionally, there are many chemicals that can cause hypothyroidism, including:

  • solvents (including TCE/trichloroethylene)
  • radiation
  • lead
  • ammonium perchlorate (rocket/missile propellant)
  • perfluoroalkyl acid (AFFF Foam)
  • pesticides
  • chlorine dioxide (water disinfectant)
  • heavy metals
  • benzopyrene (in JP-4 and other exhausts)
  • dioxins (TCDD, in Agent Orange and burn pits)
  • coal smoke
  • wood preservatives (burn pits)

If you don’t find your decision favorable in regards to your hypothyroidism VA disability claim, you can initiate a decision review process within one year from the date indicated in the award letter. If you are considering filing for an appeal, our knowledgeable team at Hill & Ponton, P.A. would be happy to assist you with this process. 

Hypothyroidism and Agent Orange

Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during military service may have later developed serious health conditions.

The VA has a list of conditions that are presumed to be caused by Agent Orange.

If a Vietnam veteran meets certain eligibility requirements and has one of these conditions, they are automatically awarded service connection to receive VA disability benefits.

The newly updated list of presumptive diseases now includes:

VA recognizes hypothyroidism linked to Agent Orange

Hypothyroidism wasn’t among this list of conditions for decades, however, thanks to evidence demonstrating a link between hypothyroidism and Agent Orange, the VA has now amended and updated their Agent Orange presumptive list of conditions.

Now that it’s official, Vietnam veterans with hypothyroidism can obtain necessary service-connected compensation for their disability.

For decades, veterans groups advocated for this change and they’ve finally gotten it; we just hope it wasn’t too late.

hypothyroidism and agent orange secondary issues

Secondary Service Connection for Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can be secondary to several different disorders, most notably any disorder that disrupts the regulation of iodine in the body and also pituitary gland problems.

Some medications such as lithium, amiodarone (Cordarone), and carbamazepine have been shown to induce thyroid problems.

Other classes of drugs that have been suspected of affecting thyroid disease are antidepressants, drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis, hepatitis, and some drugs used in chemotherapy.

Surprisingly, veterans with PTSD are up to EIGHT times more likely to suffer from thyroid dysfunction.

I’ve written before on how the immune system and the neurological system are inextricably linked, and immune problems that can be related to thyroid function, like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, or even Gulf War Syndrome, may all be different expressions of the same underlying immune problems or processes.

Have Questions About the Claims Process or Appealing a Decision?

The attorneys at Hill & Ponton are here to support you in your claim. If you are intending to appeal a denied claim, you can contact us for an evaluation.  

Written by

More Articles

News and advice about the VA, disability ratings and benefits.

Testimonials

Supporting Veterans Nationwide

  • Thank you to the firm of Hill & Ponton!! Brian Hill and his staff were able to get my 100% disability with the VA for my exposure to herbicides in Thailand. I have been fighting for this for many years and kept getting denied, after consulting with Hill & Ponton I decided to let them help me and it was the best decision I could have made. I found their professionalism to be outstanding.

    – Chip P.

    North Carolina

  • They got my disability rating after I was denied twice. They knew exactly how to format and submit the claim. I was rated 50%, Hill & Ponton weren’t done, they found other medical that related to exposure and submitted additional claims. I could not have received a disability rating without Hill & Ponton. If you need help, choose Hill & Ponton.

    – Thomas D.

    Illinois

  • The service provided by Hill and Ponton was exemplary. The lawyers and staff took care of every aspect with respect and understanding of the clients needs. In my case, as a new widow, they patiently walked me through each step. They kept me informed of the progress. I cannot say enough about the service they provided. Thank you Brian and staff.

    – Judith K Zitzewitz

    Florida

  • As a Vet you may have filed a disability claim, and if you want to win your claim you need to call Hill and Ponton. I didn’t know what to do about my condition or status until I made the call. At H&P they not only took my case, but made me feel like family. They changed my life and they will change your life too. It’s true! In my opinion you can’t do better and you won’t regret it!

    – Paul K

     Indiana

ABOUT US

About Hill & Ponton

Learn about the VA disability law firm, champions for veterans since 1986.