Hypothyroidism

[Russell R]

Has anyone here had their AO Hypothyroidism claim settled? If so what was the rating?

[GBArmy]

Vync Absolutely can ask for an advance on the docket. It should be automatic, but I would mention it in submittal. Not the case for regular claims; you have to be 85 going to the RO. Why the difference? Because the VA makes the rules. So if there is any decision that comes back from RO on a denial, I first consider BVA no evidence lane (Direct) unless I want to get some additional evidence on file to counter what the RO said when he denied. If nothing else is needed, why mess around with the HLR and waste time with getting the rubber stamp rejection? BVA direct docet is likely to be correct and it it is fairly "quick" 

[GBArmy]

Bwash2021 EED =early effective date. The VA most often grants a decision with the date of the last C&P exam, for example, rather than when the claim was submitted initially. So if you submit a claim, get denied, appeal and win, the EED is the date of your original claim PROVIDED that you meet the continuity requirements of the claim. Usually, we are talking about within a year of the denial. If they low-all you, just submit an appeal to HLR. Usually is corrected appropriately unless it is really a long drawn-out string of submittals, denials, appeals, etc.

[Bwash2021]

OK, I don't mean to sound like a complete idiot on here, I certainly have a lot to learn about claims in general I guess, but I want make sure I understand that even though I had Thyroid Cancer in 2012, which lead to a Thyroidectomy, which led to my hypothyroidism,  I am eligible under the new presumptive act for Hypothryoidism.  Is that correct?  I do have a diagnosis with VA, I get my synthroid from VA.  I was in Vietnam. Thanks !

[GBArmy]

The only idiot is the one that has questions and doesn't ask to get the answer. You must have a current diagnosis, see that you have it in your medical records. Getting meds for control of after effects from treatment/surgery is evidence. Go to diagnostic code 7903 https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/4.119 See note #2 You will be rated on residuals ex taking meds, mental impact for worrying about it, scars from surgery,  etc. Whatever. Look up the VA's dbq for it. Understand the questions and notice the "residual" related questions. Strange as it may seem, it is presumptive to AO, but you need a diagnosis. If it isn't exactly stated, get an outside doctor for a diagnosis. People can be treated for years for some things and not have it in their records that there is a diagnosis. Happens for mental heath quite frequently. Keep asking questions and get what you deserve brother.

[Bwash2021]

1 hour ago, GBArmy said:

The only idiot is the one that has questions and doesn't ask to get the answer. You must have a current diagnosis, see that you have it in your medical records. Getting meds for control of after effects from treatment/surgery is evidence. Go to diagnostic code 7903 https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/4.119 See note #2 You will be rated on residuals ex taking meds, mental impact for worrying about it, scars from surgery,  etc. Whatever. Look up the VA's dbq for it. Understand the questions and notice the "residual" related questions. Strange as it may seem, it is presumptive to AO, but you need a diagnosis. If it isn't exactly stated, get an outside doctor for a diagnosis. People can be treated for years for some things and not have it in their records that there is a diagnosis. Happens for mental heath quite frequently. Keep asking questions and get what you deserve brother.

Thanks so much for the link and information.  The link was very informative.  I have Hypothyroidism listed as one of my diagnosis in my VA records, so I guess now it's back to wait and see.  I was in Thailand for 2 years after Vietnam, should I wait for this decision to complete or would it be prudent to claim herbicide exposure due to my time in Thailand.  I understand that the Senate might vote this Friday on the PACT act that would give Thai Vets the same pathway as our Nam vets.

[GBArmy]

You don't claim exposure to dioxin, you claim a disability that in your case is presumptive to the dioxin AO and is listed as presumptive. So, what is your new disabilities that you want to claim now. They are separate; go ahead and submit. The PACT Act is going to get signed into law any day now, no question. Same routine. Current diagnosis, event ( Service in Vietnam/Thailand), nexus is the presumptive exposure. Pull the dbq's and their diagnostic codes and if you have residuals, have your evidence. In addition, have a statement in support of the claim (21-4138) for any claim you put in. Can't emphasize enough.Talk to how your disabilities impact how you do whatever every day. (Don't know what your claiming). How does the symptoms limit you and your interactions with others and how it effects your employment.  Ex can't lift, MH and don't take supervision well, get tired too easily and you have to take breaks, or skip work a lot because your stuck in bed with pain in  your legs, etc. Page., maybe a page and a  half max; I tell veterans "paint a picture so the rater can "picture" what you're going thru.