VA Compensation for Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

VA Compensation for Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

Veterans who are dealing with thyroid issues that are related to service are entitled to disability compensation. Thyroid conditions occur when the thyroid fails to produce the correct level of certain hormones. The thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland in the neck that is part of the endocrine system and helps regulate body functions by releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. The two types of thyroid conditions covered in this article are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

What are Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism?

Hypothyroidism, classified by the VA as diagnostic code 7903, is a condition that occurs when an individuals’ thyroid gland fails to keep hormone levels as high as they should be. Conversely, hyperthyroidism, classified by the VA as diagnostic code 7900, occurs when a person’s thyroid gland overproduces certain hormones.

Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism Symptoms

While both of these conditions involve the thyroid gland, the symptoms associated with each are quite different. According to Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center, some common symptoms for hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Weight Gain
• Depression
• Impaired Memory
• Muscle Weakness
• Joint Pain

Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is typically accompanied by:

• Unintentional Weight Loss
• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Abnormal Heartbeat

While the symptoms are quite different, each of these conditions may be caused by certain autoimmune disorders, certain medications, or even environmental triggers. Additionally, further complications can arise if these conditions are left untreated, possibly affecting a person’s heart, nerves, bones, eyes, and mental health.

If you are suffering from a thyroid condition, you should contact your medical provider as soon as possible.

Veterans and Thyroid Problems

What does this mean for our Veteran clients? Military service often exposes servicemembers to a wide range of chemicals and other environmental factors which may trigger one of these conditions. Additionally, military service may cause separate conditions which can cause complications or further aggravate a thyroid condition.

While this information is not necessarily definitive in and of itself, it does provide a basis for asking your doctor or other medical professional for an opinion as to whether your thyroid condition may have been caused by military service or aggravated by a service-connected condition. Each person’s situation is different, and your doctor or medical professional is best suited to determine whether your condition is related to your time in the military.

Veterans Disability Lawyers

Veterans who are suffering from illnesses related to service are entitled to disability compensation. If you are a Veteran and you have thyroid problems that were caused or exacerbated by your time in the military, you deserve the proper compensation.

Berry Law helps fellow Veterans get the disability benefits they deserve. Founded by Vietnam Veteran John S. Berry, Sr., the firm has been committed to helping Veterans in their fight for disability benefits for over 30 years. The firm now features attorneys from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps that are dedicated to getting their brothers and sisters in service the correct disability rating.

If you were denied disability benefits for your thyroid condition or were given a lower than expected rating, Berry Law can help you appeal. Contact Berry Law today to schedule a free case evaluation and take the next steps in getting the disability benefits you deserve.

Josef Loukota

Josef Loukota is a VA disability attorney that fights to help fellow Veterans receive the disability benefits they earned. Joe served for six years in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft safety equipment mechanic and shop supervisor. He earned the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia, two Navy Achievement Medals, and the Navy Good Conduct Medal. Prior to joining Berry Law, Joe worked with Legal Aid of Nebraska as part of a Veteran-to-farmer outreach program. Joe also worked at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Military and Veteran Services Office as part of a team helping Veterans access their G.I. Bill education benefits.