Question:

I filed a supplement claim for agent orange related hypothyroidism. Will the effective date be the date I filed the first claim in 2016? Since the rating has changed, I think in 2019, what rating would I fall under - the old or the new?

Jim's Reply:

It depends. Were you denied the claim in 2016? Did you appeal and keep it open? Have you reopened the claim?
 

In any case, if you were denied then you should go ahead and refile today. Once you've done that you can talk about retro pay.
 

There isn't a new or old rating...the ratings haven't changed, only whether or not hypothyroidism is recognized has changed so get your claim in and we'll see what happens. Good luck sir.