Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland
VA doesn't add ratings together. It combines them using the table in 38 CFR § 4.25, so two ratings usually total less than their sum.
While the cancer is active or treatment is ongoing, the regulation sets a fixed 100% rating, so the evidence most relevant at that stage is confirmation of the diagnosis and documentation that treatment is underway. Pathology reports, biopsy results, oncology treatment records, operative reports, and radiation or chemotherapy records all establish those facts.
After treatment ends, records showing the date treatment stopped matter, because the mandatory examination comes six months later. For the mandatory examination that follows, imaging studies, lab results such as thyroglobulin levels or thyroid function tests, and oncology notes showing whether there has been any recurrence or metastasis are directly relevant to what happens next.
If no recurrence or metastasis is found, your rating shifts to residuals. At that stage, medical records and exam findings that document any lasting effects — such as hormonal dysfunction, nerve damage, scarring, or other conditions caused by the cancer or its treatment — become the key evidence. Statements from you or people who know you describing how those residual effects affect your work and daily life can also support the picture those medical records present.
VA exam form (DBQ) for this condition:
If your service meets the rules below, VA presumes this condition is connected to it.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
