Hyperthyroidism VA Rating: How the VA Rates an Overactive Thyroid

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If you’re a veteran struggling with the debilitating effects of an overactive thyroid, you’re not alone. Hyperthyroidism affects millions, causing everything from rapid heartbeats and unexplained weight loss to anxiety and fatigue that can disrupt daily life.

Understanding the hyperthyroidism VA rating is crucial to securing the benefits you deserve.

In this post, we’ll take a look at the VA rating criteria, service connection options, and strategies to strengthen your claim.

Whether you’re filing for the first time or appealing a decision, empowering yourself with accurate information can make all the difference in your journey toward VA compensation and benefits.

Summary of Key Points

The VA rating for hyperthyroidism is 30% for six months post-diagnosis, then the rating shifts to residuals like heart, eye, or other thyroid issues.

You can establish a direct connection for hyperthyroidism with a current diagnosis, in-service event, and nexus, or secondary connection through aggravation by another service-connected disability, such as PTSD.

Untreated or poorly managed hyperthyroidism can lead to cardiovascular strain, eye conditions (e.g., Graves’ ophthalmopathy), and potential aggravation by conditions like PTSD.

What is Hyperthyroidism?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It plays a vital role in regulating metabolism by producing hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which influence heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels.

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland makes too many thyroid hormones. According to the Mayo Clinic, this speeds up the body’s metabolism, affecting nearly every organ and leading to a range of symptoms.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid, prompting excess hormone release. Other triggers include thyroid nodules, inflammation (thyroiditis), or excessive iodine intake.

For veterans, certain chemical exposures during service can disrupt thyroid function, potentially leading to hyperthyroidism.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the most significant signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

Losing weight without trying

Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)

Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or heart palpitations

Increased hunger, nervousness, anxiety, and irritability

Tremor, usually a small trembling in the hands and fingers

Increased sensitivity to heat, sweating

Changes in menstrual cycles

Changes in bowel patterns

Enlarged thyroid gland, sometimes called a goiter

Tiredness, muscle weakness, sleep problems

Warm, moist skin; thinning skin; fine, brittle hair

How the VA Rates Hyperthyroidism

The VA rating for hyperthyroidism falls under § 4.119, Schedule of Ratings—Endocrine System, diagnostic code 7900.

Hyperthyroidism is rated at 30% for six months after initial diagnosis. Following the six months, hyperthyroidism is rated based on residual symptoms of the condition, including cardiovascular or heart disease, eye and vision conditions, or thyroid enlargement (toxic or nontoxic).

Proving Service Connection

There are two main ways to establish service connection for hyperthyroidism: direct and secondary.

Direct service connection means your condition began during or was directly caused by your military service.

Secondary service connection means your condition developed or got worse because of another service-connected disability.

Direct Service Connection

To prove direct service connection for hyperthyroidism, you must provide evidence of the following:

A current medical diagnosis, and

An in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness, and

A medical nexus linking the two

Secondary Service Connection

Hyperthyroidism could also be considered a secondary service-connected condition if it was caused or aggravated by a primary service-connected condition, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To prove secondary service connection, you’ll need:

A current medical diagnosis of your secondary condition, and

A medical nexus showing the condition was caused or aggravated by a primary service-connected disability (often a nexus letter)

Pro Tip: A credible nexus letter from a qualified medical provider can be one of the most powerful forms of evidence when linking your hyperthyroidism to another service-connected disability.

Is Hyperthyroidism a Presumptive Condition?

No, hyperthyroidism itself is not a presumptive condition under VA regulations. Presumptive conditions are those where the VA automatically assumes service connection based on specific exposures or service circumstances, without requiring proof of causation.

For thyroid-related issues, presumptions apply to:

Thyroid cancer: Thyroid cancer is presumptive for veterans exposed to ionizing radiation (e.g., atomic veterans) or burn pits (Gulf War and post-9/11 service).

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism was added as presumptive for Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam-era veterans (effective 2021).

Hyperthyroidism, including Graves’ disease, requires evidence of direct or secondary service connection. Military service can contribute through stressors, iodine exposure, or environmental hazards, but you must demonstrate the link through medical evidence.

Secondary Conditions to Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can lead to or aggravate several secondary conditions, which may qualify for separate VA ratings if linked to your service-connected thyroid condition.

Common residuals include:

Cardiovascular issues: Persistent tachycardia or arrhythmias can strain the heart, potentially leading to ischemic heart disease or hypertension. The VA evaluates these under codes like 7008 (hyperthyroid heart disease).

Eye conditions: In Graves’ disease, up to 30% of cases involve ophthalmopathy (bulging eyes, vision changes), rated under codes in § 4.79 (e.g., diplopia DC 6090).

Thyroid enlargement (toxic or nontoxic): Thyroid enlargement may cause breathing or swallowing difficulties, as well as disfigurement to the head, face, or neck.

To claim VA secondaries, provide a medical opinion linking the worsening of your secondary conditions to your service-connected hyperthyroidism.

Conclusion

Filing a claim for a hyperthyroidism VA rating can feel overwhelming, but with the right evidence, including a current diagnosis, an in-service event, and a medical nexus linking the two, you can secure the disability rating that reflects your service and sacrifices.

Remember, initial 30% VA ratings often evolve based on residuals, so ongoing monitoring is key. Don’t let an overactive thyroid slow you down — take the first step today toward the compensation and care you deserve.

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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VA disability rating for hyperthyroidism?

The VA disability rating for hyperthyroidism is 30% for six months post-diagnosis, then based on residuals (e.g., 100% for thyrotoxicosis with severe symptoms; 10% for intermittent tachycardia or medication needs), under Diagnostic Code 7900.

Can military service cause hyperthyroidism?

Military service may be associated with thyroid changes, potentially influenced by factors such as chronic stress, environmental exposures (e.g., iodine or toxins), or trauma, but you must provide a nexus linking it to service. The VA recognizes potential ties in claims with supporting evidence.

Can PTSD cause hyperthyroidism?

Post-traumatic stress disorder does not directly cause hyperthyroidism, but research from the National Institute of Health indicates associations. The NIH links PTSD to higher thyroid hormone levels (e.g., FT3 and TT3) that may aggravate autoimmune triggers like Graves’ disease through chronic stress. A medical nexus is needed for secondary service connection.

Is hyperthyroidism a presumptive VA disability?

No, hyperthyroidism is not a presumptive VA disability. You must prove your direct or secondary service connection with medical evidence. Related presumptives include thyroid cancer for burn pit or radiation exposure and hypothyroidism for Agent Orange.

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About the Author

Katie McCarthy

Katie McCarthy is a writer and editor with experience in daily news and digital and print magazine publishing. She honed her editorial (and firearms) skills at Guns & Ammo before helping launch Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Coffee or Die Magazine as the managing editor. She holds degrees in English (BA) and public administration (MPA). Katie is a military spouse and word nerd who enjoys reading, hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family.

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