Endocrine System§ 4.119Updated
Rating criteria

VA Diagnostic Code 7904Hyperparathyroidism

Rated from 0% to 100% under § 4.119. Here is what the VA requires at each level.

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What each rating requires

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  1. 100%

    For six months from date of discharge following surgery

  2. 60%

    Hypercalcemia (indicated by at least one of the following: Total Ca greater than 12 mg/dL (3-3.5 mmol/L), Ionized Ca greater than 5.6 mg/dL (2-2.5 mmol/L), creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min, bone mineral density T-score less than 2.5 SD (below mean) at any site or previous fragility fracture)

  3. 10%

    Symptoms such as fatigue, anorexia, nausea, or constipation that occur despite surgery; or in individuals who are not candidates for surgery but require continuous medication for control

  4. 0%

    Asymptomatic

From the schedule

Notes on this code

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

  • Note (1): After six months, rate on residuals under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate body system(s) based on a VA examination.
  • Note (2): Where surgical intervention is indicated, this evaluation shall continue until the day of surgery, at which time the provisions pertaining to a 100-percent evaluation shall apply.
  • Note (3): Where surgical intervention is not indicated, this evaluation shall continue for six months after pharmacologic treatment begins. After six months, rate on residuals under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate body system(s) based on a VA examination.
  • Note (4): Following surgery or other treatment, evaluate chronic residuals, such as nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), decreased renal function, fractures, vision problems, and cardiovascular complications, under the appropriate diagnostic codes.

Hyperparathyroidism VA Disability Rating (Diagnostic Code 7904)

Endocrine System · 38 CFR § 4.119 · Diagnostic Code 7904

What Is Hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine condition rated by the VA under Diagnostic Code 7904. When the parathyroid glands are overactive, they can raise the level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) and contribute to complications affecting other body systems.

The VA recognizes that this condition may be managed through surgery, medication, or ongoing monitoring — and the rating framework reflects each of these situations. Over time, the focus of rating shifts from the condition itself to any lasting effects (residuals) it leaves behind.

Available Rating Levels

The VA uses the following rating levels for hyperparathyroidism:

RatingWhat It Reflects
100%For six months from the date of discharge following surgery.
60%Hypercalcemia, indicated by at least one of the following: Total Ca greater than 12 mg/dL (3–3.5 mmol/L); Ionized Ca greater than 5.6 mg/dL (2–2.5 mmol/L); creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min; bone mineral density T-score less than 2.5 SD (below mean) at any site; or a previous fragility fracture.
10%Symptoms such as fatigue, anorexia, nausea, or constipation that occur despite surgery; or in individuals who are not candidates for surgery but require continuous medication for control.
0%Asymptomatic.

What the VA Looks For

The VA evaluates hyperparathyroidism based on your treatment path and the presence of specific clinical findings:

  • Laboratory and imaging measures for hypercalcemia — such as total calcium, ionized calcium, creatinine clearance, and bone mineral density T-scores.
  • A history of fragility fracture, which is one of the indicators that can support the 60% level.
  • Symptoms that persist despite surgery — like fatigue, anorexia, nausea, or constipation.
  • Whether you are a surgical candidate, and whether you require continuous medication to control the condition.

Important Timing Rules the VA Applies

  • Where surgery is indicated: the evaluation continues until the day of surgery, at which point the provisions for a 100-percent evaluation apply.
  • Where surgery is not indicated: the evaluation continues for six months after pharmacologic (medication) treatment begins.
  • After six months: the condition is rated based on its residuals under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate body system(s), based on a VA examination.
  • Following surgery or other treatment: chronic residuals — such as nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), decreased renal function, fractures, vision problems, and cardiovascular complications — are evaluated under their own appropriate diagnostic codes.

This information summarizes the VA rating criteria for Diagnostic Code 7904 (Hyperparathyroidism) under 38 CFR § 4.119. Your rating depends on the specific findings from your VA examination and medical records.

These criteria are a rendering of § 4.119, diagnostic code 7904. 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 7904 and attach the evidence for the level you are asking for. Other Endocrine System codes may cover your secondary conditions.

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