Thyroid Cancer and Military Toxic Exposure: What You Should Know

Thyroid diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent among military personnel, and research indicates that military members may be at higher risk of thyroid illness compared to the general public. Among them is thyroid cancer, diagnosed more and more often among veterans who served in combat zones or in proximity to hazardous chemicals and other environmental toxins.

Despite its prevalence, the good news is that thyroid cancer often has a favorable prognosis, especially when detected in incipient phases. However, for veterans, the situation can be more complex, as research has shown a link between toxic exposure during military service and an elevated risk of developing thyroid cancer. The thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ, produces hormones that regulate metabolism and affect the way the body uses energy. Thyroid hormones regulate many other vital body functions, including:

• breathing
• heart rate
• body weight
• body temperature
• muscle strength
• hormone cycles

In a VA study examining data from 2000 to 2012, researchers found that the incidence of thyroid cancer among nearly 11 million veterans in the VA healthcare system almost doubled. The same data pool indicated that more frequent testing may have contributed to higher detection rates.

Another study looked at the thyroid cancer incidence among active duty military personnel in the period from 1990 to 2004 and found that thyroid cancer rates were higher among female service members compared to the general population, suggesting that military service may be a factor in the increased risk of thyroid cancer. The VA recognizes this connection and has worked to identify and support affected veterans through healthcare benefits and compensation.

What Happens When You Suspect Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is an uncontrollable growth of cells in the thyroid gland, forming tumors. It can affect hormone production and overall health in people of all ages. As the studies have shown, military personnel and veterans - especially women - have higher rates of thyroid cancer compared to the general population.

In comparison with thyroid disease, which is generally very common and manageable, thyroid cancer is severe because of the uncontrolled growth of cells in the gland. The condition might not cause symptoms at first. However, as it grows, thyroid cancer can cause signs and symptoms, such as:

• lump in the neck
• hoarseness or other voice changes
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• pain in the front of the neck
• swollen neck lymph nodes
• sore throat
• persistent cough

The diagnosis of this malignant disease is made through a comprehensive approach that involves a combination of:

• physical examination
• blood test
• imaging test

The definitive diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy, typically a fine-needle aspiration (FNA), to analyze cells under a microscope. In some cases, further tests, such as a laryngoscopy or a radioiodine scan, may also be used to determine if nodules are overactive. There are several types of thyroid cancer - most types grow slowly, though some types can be very aggressive. The good news is that most thyroid cancers can be cured with treatment.

Veterans Who Served in Radiation-Risk Activities Are at an Increased Risk

Medical research has increasingly shown that environmental and chemical exposures can be a significant factor in the development of thyroid cancer. These findings underscore the critical relationship between chemical exposure and thyroid diseases, especially for veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances during their military service. Stand-outs for their toxic legacy among the exposures linked to thyroid cancer are:

• burn pits
• ionizing radiation
• Agent Orange

The VA recognizes these connections and lists thyroid cancer as a presumptive condition under all three exposure categories and grants benefits, although each case is evaluated individually. Recently, burn pits have been suspected of causing health concerns, including both short-term issues and lingering effects years after service.

Types of Thyroid Cancer Covered by the Pact Act Under Burn Pit Exposure

If a veteran served in a qualifying location and developed thyroid cancer, the VA presumes it is a service-connected disability, removing the burden of proof for the veteran. The VA recognizes several types of thyroid cancer as presumptive conditions, including:

• anaplastic thyroid cancer
• follicular thyroid cancer
• medullary thyroid cancer
• papillary thyroid cancer

To qualify, the veteran should have:

• met the service requirements for presumptive exposure
• served in qualifying locations
• been diagnosed with thyroid cancer

Exposure Under Radiation-Risk Activities

In the case of veterans who participated in a radiation-risk activity during service, the VA assumes that thyroid cancer is related to their exposure and calls it presumptive disease. Those diagnosed with thyroid cancer can file a VA disability claim under Ionizing Radiation Exposure if they meet the service requirements of the radiation-risk activity, such as participating in:

• service on nuclear-powered ships in qualifying roles
• nuclear weapons testing
• occupation of Hiroshima/Nagasaki
• cleanup missions at radioactive sites

For service verification, the VA will check service records and job assignments to confirm that the veteran's role qualifies for radiation-risk presumptive status. If eligible, it's presumed that the radiation exposure caused the thyroid cancer, so the veteran does not have to prove a direct causal link. It's essential to know that veterans with thyroid cancer from radiation exposure must file under Radiation-Risk Presumptive Conditions, which is a separate VA category from the PACT Act that covers toxic exposures like burn pits.

Asbestos and Radiation Exposure on Submarines

Veterans who served on nuclear-powered submarines faced double exposure: potential ionizing radiation from the reactors and exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen historically used in insulation and other ship materials. Both types of exposure can affect the thyroid and other organs, contributing to long-term health risks, including cancer.

While asbestos exposure is well-known for causing several types of cancers, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and certain gastrointestinal cancers, thyroid cancer resources don't list a clear, direct connection to asbestos. Current research has not established a definitive link between asbestos and thyroid cancer, even though asbestos remains a significant toxic risk for other malignancies in veterans. The VA rating for thyroid cancer / malignant neoplasms of the endocrine system is rated under DC 7914.

Establishing a Direct Service Connection

When tackling the paperwork for a VA disability benefits application, veterans often encounter two crucial terms:

• direct service connection
• secondary service connection

These are essential in understanding how to secure the benefits that are deserved, especially with thyroid affections. Establishing a direct service connection for thyroid diseases requires clear evidence that it's linked to military service. It usually means demonstrating exposure to certain chemicals or events during service that could have triggered thyroid issues. The VA will assign a 100% disability rating if the thyroid cancer is active or you're receiving treatment like:

• surgery
• radiation
• chemotherapy
• other therapeutic procedures

It's a temporary rating that remains in effect for at least six months after your treatment concludes. Following that, the VA will schedule a mandatory medical exam to check your condition. If the cancer hasn't come back or spread, the VA will stop the temporary 100% rating and give you a new rating based on any lasting health problems caused by the cancer or its treatment.

Furthermore, chronic health conditions related to thyroid illnesses may qualify for VA disability benefits if service-connection is proven with proper documentation:

• depression
• sleep disorders
• anxiety

An application for disability compensation can be made:

• online
• by mail
• via fax

If you prefer to handle things in person, you can apply at a VA regional office near you. Those who choose a method other than online will need to download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ.

Supporting Veterans to Maximize Their Chances of Having a Successful Claim

One of the most common challenges in applying for VA benefits for thyroid conditions is proving a service connection. The VA disability rating process for thyroid gland illnesses is conducted on an individual basis for each veteran, depending on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life.

Even if you collect all the medical evidence from service records and healthcare providers, proving that there is a connection between your disease and your service years can be difficult. Still, an experienced lawyer can help maximize your chances of success. We provide support by connecting you with legal specialists who are ready to assist with your case.