---
title: "DC 7903 - Hypothyroidism"
diagnostic_code: "7903"
body_system: "Endocrine System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.119"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/endocrine/7903-hypothyroidism"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.119"
updated: "2026-07-21T04:57:33.284329Z"
---

# DC 7903 - Hypothyroidism

Rated under § 4.119. Body system: Endocrine System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 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)) |
| 30% | Hypothyroidism without myxedema |

## Notes

- 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).

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*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.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.119