Endocrine System§ 4.119Updated
Rating criteria

VA Diagnostic Code 7903Hypothyroidism

Rated from 30% to 100% under § 4.119. Here is what the VA requires at each level.

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  1. 100%

    Hypothyroidism manifesting as myxedema (cold intolerance, muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement (including, but not limited to hypotension, bradycardia, and pericardial effusion), and mental disturbance (including, but not limited to dementia, slowing of thought and depression))

  2. 30%

    Hypothyroidism without myxedema

From the schedule

Notes on this code

These notes are part of the regulation. They change how the levels above are applied.

  • Note (1): This evaluation shall continue for six months beyond the date that an examining physician has determined crisis stabilization. Thereafter, the residual effects of hypothyroidism shall be rated under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate body system(s) (e.g., eye, digestive, and mental disorders).
  • Note (2): This evaluation shall continue for six months after initial diagnosis. Thereafter, rate residuals of disease or medical treatment under the most appropriate diagnostic code(s) under the appropriate body system (e.g., eye, digestive, mental disorders).
  • Note (3): If eye involvement, such as exophthalmos, corneal ulcer, blurred vision, or diplopia, is also present due to thyroid disease, also separately evaluate under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) in § 4.79, Schedule of Ratings—Eye (such as diplopia (DC 6090) or impairment of central visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066)).

Hypothyroidism (VA Diagnostic Code 7903)

Endocrine System — 38 CFR § 4.119

Understanding Hypothyroidism and How the VA Rates It

Hypothyroidism is a condition of the endocrine system. Under the VA rating schedule, it is evaluated using Diagnostic Code 7903 within 38 CFR § 4.119.

The VA assigns a disability rating based on how the condition presents—specifically, whether or not it manifests as myxedema, an advanced form of the condition with a distinct set of symptoms.

Available Rating Levels

The VA recognizes two rating levels for hypothyroidism under Diagnostic Code 7903:

100% Rating

Assigned when hypothyroidism manifests as myxedema, which includes:

  • Cold intolerance
  • Muscular weakness
  • Cardiovascular involvement (including, but not limited to, hypotension, bradycardia, and pericardial effusion)
  • Mental disturbance (including, but not limited to, dementia, slowing of thought, and depression)

30% Rating

Assigned when hypothyroidism is present without myxedema.

What the VA Looks For

When rating hypothyroidism, the VA considers the presence or absence of myxedema and its associated symptoms, as described in the two rating levels above. Several important rules also apply to how and for how long the condition is rated:

  • Continuation after crisis stabilization (Note 1): The evaluation continues for six months beyond the date an examining physician determines crisis stabilization. After that period, the residual effects of hypothyroidism are rated under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate body system(s)—for example, eye, digestive, and mental disorders.

  • Continuation after initial diagnosis (Note 2): The evaluation continues for six months after initial diagnosis. Thereafter, residuals of the disease or its medical treatment are rated under the most appropriate diagnostic code(s) under the appropriate body system (e.g., eye, digestive, mental disorders).

  • Eye involvement (Note 3): If eye involvement—such as exophthalmos, corneal ulcer, blurred vision, or diplopia—is also present due to thyroid disease, it is separately evaluated under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) in § 4.79, the Schedule of Ratings for the Eye (such as diplopia under DC 6090 or impairment of central visual acuity under DCs 6061–6066).

This information is provided for general educational purposes and is based on the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 7903. Individual evaluations depend on the specific findings in each case.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.119, diagnostic code 7903. The official version is the one that governs your rating.

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What next

How to claim this

Knowing the criteria is the first half. Getting your file to show them is the second.

  1. Find your level in the stack

    Read each rung against what your medical records already say. The level your records document today is the one the VA can support today.

  2. Name the gap

    Look at the rung above yours and write down exactly what it asks for that your file does not show yet — a diagnosis, a measurement, a prescribed brace, a doctor’s opinion linking it to service.

  3. Claim it by code

    File under diagnostic code 7903 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Endocrine System codes may cover your secondary conditions.

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