Graves Disease and Hypothyroidism

[canine298]

I am new to this forum and could use some help.  I am a Desert Storm Veteran and really didn't start to deal with the V.A. till last year.  It's only with age that I have really started to see what effects my service has had on my body.  I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in 1995, went through radiation treatment on my thyroid and have dealt with hypothyroidism since.  I have been on synthroid since diagnosis as well as other meds here and there throughout the years.  After doing a lot of research I discovered links between chemical exposure and Graves, including from the chemicals in certain smoke, like breathing in from burning oil wells.  In December of last year the V.A. approved some of my claims but denied my Graves Disease and hypothyroidism as non service related.  In January of this year I filed my NOD with the selection of a DRO. Since then the two items now show up in ebenefits as "pending disabilities" but when I request an updated I get the typical form response that my NOD has been received and they have 377 days to deal with it through the "traditional" appeals process even though I selected a DRO.  Is this normal?  Does anyone receive anything for Graves Disease related to Desert Storm?  Any advice would be appreciated.

[Berta]

This Gulf War vet’s claim might help you.

 

 

His documented symptoms in service and the fact that his diagnosis came within one year after discharge were factors the BVA considered.

 

 

"Service connection for a thyroid disorder, diagnosed as

Grave's disease, is granted."

 

 

http://www.index.va.gov/search/va/view.jsp?FV=http://www.va.gov/vetapp99/files3/9926139.txt

How long after your discharge were you formally diagnosed with Graves disease?

"but when I request an updated I get the typical form response that my NOD has been received and they have 377 days to deal with it through the "traditional" appeals process even though I selected a DRO.  Is this normal?  " 

I think you should use the IRIS system ( www.va.gov, click on Contact Us  then  Click on Ask a question)

to make sure they have your request for a DRO review.

Ask for an email response, not phone call response. They can make stuff up on the phone.

Can you scan and attach the denial here? Cover C file number name, address prior to scanning it.

 

Edited June 6, 2016 by Berta

[canine298]

Quote

Thank you so much for the information.  I left active duty in 1992 and was diagnosed in 1995, which according to this paragraph I should still have a case.

For servicemembers who served in the Southwest Asia theater 
of operations during the Persian Gulf War who exhibit 
objective indications of chronic disability manifested by one 
or more specific signs or symptoms, such disability may be 
service connected provided that it became manifest during 
active service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations or 
to a degree of 10 percent or more not later than December 31, 
2001; and provided that the disability cannot be attributed 
to any known clinical diagnosis.  38 U.S.C.A. § 501(a) (West 
1991); 38 C.F.R. § 3.317(a)(1) (1998).

I tried the IRIS email system also and was given almost the exact same wording as the person on the phone told me.  It even had an "apology" it was so vague but they couldn't comment on my exact case.

I am in the waiting game but what you provided me helps bolster another case I had found.

 

Edited June 6, 2016 by canine298
grammer