Graves' disease

RMA definition

Graves' disease means an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid usually associated with hyperthyroidism, goitre and exophthalmus.

Signs and symptoms

Graves' disease is also called toxic diffuse goitre. The most common symptoms are:

• nervousness and irritability;
• increased sweating; and hypersensitivity to heat;
• palpitations and fatigue;
• increased appetite and weight loss;
• tachycardia, insomnia, weakness and frequent bowel movements

The common signs are:

• enlarged thyroid gland;
• widened pulse pressure;
• fine, moist skin;
• tremor and atrial fibrillation;
• eye signs such as stare, lid lag, lid retraction, orbital pain, lacrimation, irritation and photophobia.

Establishing onset

The clinical onset of Graves' disease may be documented in the evidence.  However, the veteran or member may not have sought attention until symptoms had been present for some time.  In addition, doctors' notes and hospitals' records may have been destroyed or can no longer be obtained.  Therefore, a statement that symptoms of Graves' disease developed at a particular time will generally be accepted, unless there is contradictory evidence.  Seek medical advice if it is unclear whether the symptoms claimed to be due to Graves’ disease at that time were actually due to Graves’ disease.

LAST REVIEWED FOR CCPS 18 JULY 2006.

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS [31438]

31517 there is some evidence that Graves' disease may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.

31439 the veteran has had Graves' disease at some time.

31379 the veteran suffered from Graves' disease at the time of the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

31440  the veteran has established the causal connection between the Graves' disease and VEA service for the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

31441   the veteran has established the causal connection between the Graves' disease and operational service for the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

or

31442   the veteran has established the causal connection between the Graves' disease and eligible service for the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.

CLINICAL ONSET AND OPERATIONAL SERVICE [31441]

31443  the Graves' disease is causally related to operational service.

CLINICAL ONSET AND ELIGIBLE SERVICE [31442]

31473  the Graves' disease is causally related to eligible service.