Thyroid disease in veterans: disability rating & eligibility

Many veterans attribute weight gain and tiredness to civilian life stress or getting older. However, when these symptoms appear together, especially in veterans with a chemical exposure history, they may signal thyroid dysfunction. Your thyroid controls metabolism, and when it malfunctions, it can cause heart problems, high cholesterol, and heart failure.

Veterans with thyroid diseases often experience:

• swelling in the neck
• sudden weight gain or unexplained weight loss
• constant fatigue or feeling overly energetic
• feeling cold in normal temperatures
• dry skin and brittle hair
• facial swelling and puffiness
• digestive problems and constipation
• mood changes and depression
• muscle weakness and joint aches
• irregular or faster heart rate

PFAS may increase thyroid disease risk

PFAS are synthetic chemicals often called 'forever chemicals' because they don't break down in the environment and accumulate in the human body. The U.S. military has used PFAS-based firefighting foam (AFFF) on bases since the 1970s, especially during training exercises and to put out fuel fires. Research has established that PFAS exposure can cause multiple thyroid conditions. Beyond PFAS, military personnel may have been exposed to numerous other toxic substances that can damage thyroid function.

These chemicals can drastically alter biological processes in the thyroid gland. PFAS interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and can bind directly to thyroid receptors, disrupting hormone production. Exposure to solvents like trichloroethylene (TCE), radiation, lead, and rocket propellants can also interfere with thyroid function.

High-risk groups for PFAS thyroid disease

Some veterans may face a higher risk of developing thyroid conditions due to toxic exposures or service-related activities. PFAS can affect thyroid function or increase the likelihood of thyroid-related diseases. These high-risk groups include:

• Veterans who served at military bases where PFAS-containing firefighting foam was used extensively
• Military personnel stationed at installations with known PFAS contamination in water supplies
• Veterans who worked with or around firefighting equipment and foam
• Veterans stationed at locations with documented environmental contamination

How the VA rates thyroid disease

Veterans diagnosed with thyroid disease may be entitled to VA disability compensation if their condition is linked to military service:

• Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, causing weight gain, fatigue, and cold sensitivity
• Hyperthyroidism: When the thyroid produces too many hormones, causing weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety
• Grave's disease: An autoimmune condition that causes hyperthyroidism and can affect the eyes
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland

The VA uses diagnostic code 7903 to rate thyroid disease. Unlike many other conditions, thyroid disability ratings have specific time limitations and review periods. Veterans with a thyroid condition typically receive a 30 percent disability rating, while those who develop severe complications may qualify for higher ratings. Veterans whose thyroid conditions prevent them from working may be eligible for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which provides 100 percent disability compensation.

ELG Law can help with your thyroid-related VA disability benefits

Thyroid conditions can significantly impact your daily life and overall well-being as a veteran. If you've received a thyroid disease diagnosis and believe it's connected to your military service, particularly exposure to PFAS, our legal team is ready to help you file your VA disability claims. Our attorneys offer free case evaluations with no obligation. We'll work with documentation of your thyroid condition from your healthcare provider, along with your service records that show potential exposure to PFAS during your time in the military.