Is hypothyroidism a disability?

There are a variety of thyroid gland disorders than can negatively impact your life, two of which are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid gland disorder, you may qualify for social security disability benefits if your condition is severe enough.

How much disability do you get for thyroid?

Upon an initial diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, VA assigns veterans a 30 percent disability rating for a period of six months. After six months, veterans are reevaluated and rated based on the residual symptoms of the disease or complications of medical treatment.

Can thyroid disorder be considered a disability?

If you suffer from a thyroid gland disorder, you may qualify for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program. The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting hormones that are responsible for various functions.

What percentage of disability is hypothyroidism?

Under DC 7903, a 10 percent disability rating is warranted for hypothyroidism manifested by fatigability or continuous medication required for control. A 30 percent disability rating is warranted for hypothyroidism with fatigability, constipation, and mental sluggishness.

Can you work with hypothyroidism?

Some people with hypothyroidism find that their symptoms do not greatly inhibit their ability to work. Others may find it difficult to keep up with the demands of the workplace. Fatigue and muscle pain can make it difficult to maintain a busy or physically intense work roster.

Thyroid Conditions VA Disability Ratings

Does hypothyroidism shorten your life?

If you keep your hypothyroidism well-controlled, it will not shorten your life span. WHAT CAUSES HYPOTHYROIDISM? There can be many reasons why the cells in the thyroid gland can't make enough thyroid hormone. Here are the major causes, from the most to the least common.

Is hypothyroid serious?

Hypothyroidism can become a serious and life-threatening medical condition if you do not get treatment from a healthcare provider. If you are not treated, your symptoms can become more severe and can include: Developing mental health problems. Having trouble breathing.

What is cause of hypothyroidism?

Autoimmune disease.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues. Sometimes this process involves your thyroid gland.

Can hypothyroidism cause sleep apnea?

Hypothyroidism also affects your breathing. People with hypothyroidism often experience shallow breathing, particularly at night. This slow and shallow breathing can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea. When the muscles in the throat relax during the night, your airways can become blocked.

Is hypothyroidism secondary to PTSD?

Hypothyroidism is secondary to the service-connected PTSD. 38 U.S.C.A. § 5107(a) (West 1991); 38 C.F.R. § 3.310(a) (1999).

Does thyroid affect driving?

People with significant hypothyroidism can experience impaired driving similar to those who are driving when intoxicated by alcohol, a new study finds.

Is hypothyroidism a disease or disorder?

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid disease, is a common disorder. With hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the front lower part of your neck.

Is hypothyroidism an autoimmune disorder?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also called Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It's an autoimmune disease, a class of disorders in which your body attacks its own healthy tissues. People who have Hashimoto's have antibodies that attack thyroid gland tissues.

What is considered a dangerously high TSH level?

Experts don't agree on which TSH levels should be considered too high. Some suggest that TSH levels of over 2.5 milliunits per liter (mU/L) are abnormal, while others consider levels of TSH to be too high only after they have reached 4 to 5 mU/L.

Do you gain weight after thyroid removal?

Patients with hyperthyroidism commonly experience weight gain after thyroidectomy. This occurs due to the reduction in circulating thyroid hormone, thus ameliorating the weight-lowering effects of elevated thyroid hormones (4,5).

What happens to your body after your thyroid is removed?

If your entire thyroid is removed, your body can't make thyroid hormone. Without replacement, you'll develop signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Therefore, you'll need to take a pill every day that contains the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, others).

How much sleep do I need with hypothyroidism?

Yet all too often, “people with hypothyroidism don't get enough sleep, or the sleep they're getting isn't good quality,” Hatipoglu says. To ensure your body has a chance to rest and recover: Aim for 8 hours of sleep every night.

Can thyroid problems affect your legs?

Severe, untreated hypothyroidism can cause fluid buildup that puts pressure on the nerves in your arms and legs. This can lead to tingling, pain, and numbness where the nerve is damaged. Low thyroid can sometimes lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the nerves in your hand and wrist.

Can hypothyroidism cause leg cramps?

What are the symptoms of hypothyroid myopathy? The most common symptoms include weakness around the hips and sometimes the shoulders, and a slowing of reflexes. Some people also experience muscle stiffness and painful muscle cramps. LIfe-threatening cases can cause rhabdomyolysis (acute muscle breakdown).

What can make hypothyroidism worse?

What happens if you don't treat hypothyroidism?

If left untreated, though, hypothyroidism can lead to many complications. These include heart problems, nerve injury, infertility and in severe cases, death.

What does thyroid fatigue feel like?

You may feel nervous, moody, weak, or tired. Your hands may shake, your heart may beat fast, or you may have problems breathing. You may be sweaty or have warm, red, itchy skin. You may have more bowel movements than usual.

What is the most severe form of hypothyroidism?

Myxedema crisis (also called myxedema coma), the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It occurs when thyroid hormone levels get very, very low.

What are severe symptoms of hypothyroidism?

What organs are affected by hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body's needs. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck.