Question:
Jim I developed thyroid cancer after leaving active duty. Filed my claim when the cancer was active in 2013. VA denied it for 6 years. Finally won my appeal when i went to the judge in DC. Had my C & P exam in January 2020. Rating letter states 100% effective 2020, then changed to non-compensatory 0% at exam. It's been almost 2 months and nothing about back pay on the 100% and I'm having difficulty getting any answers from VA. Can I get your thoughts on this? Should I be worried?
Jim's Reply:
Most thyroid diseases are rated as 100% during initial active stages and then 0% afterwards. Any ratings above the 0% must be due to conditions that are associated with thyroid disease such as eye disease, diabetes, etc.
Without knowing precisely when and how you were affected and whether you have any residual diseases that may be claimed as secondary to the thyroid disease is an unknown to me but I'd have to guess that you may get from one to a few months of retro pay at 100% and then the more lasting rating will be 0% until you claim some conditions as secondary.
You can read The Schedule here.