Addison's Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency)

DC 7911Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7911

A condition where your adrenal glands do not make enough cortisol and other hormones. The VA rates Addison's disease based on the treatment you need and how often you have adrenal crises.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7911

Rating range

20% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7911. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

Your Addison's disease causes 3 or more adrenal crises per year, or your crises are severe enough to prevent you from working during episodes.

What the VA looks for

3 or more adrenal crises per year documented
Hospitalizations for adrenal crisis
Inability to work during crisis episodes
Frequent emergency treatment records
Documentation of crisis frequency and severity

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not carrying and documenting your emergency injection kit (Solu-Cortef) — having to carry emergency medication and wearing a medical alert bracelet shows the severity of your condition.
⚠Not documenting every adrenal crisis event, including emergency room visits, urgent care, and episodes managed at home with stress doses — the rating depends on crisis frequency.
⚠Not connecting Addison's disease to service-related causes such as autoimmune conditions triggered by service, infections, or medications used during service.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — Addison's disease can cause or worsen depression, fatigue, low blood pressure, and bone loss.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Endocrine Diseases (Other Than Thyroid, Parathyroid, Diabetes)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Addison's Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency) or rated under the same body system.

Diabetes Mellitus Type II

DC 7913·Endocrine

Hypothyroidism

DC 7903·Endocrine

Hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease)

Cushing's Syndrome

Hyperparathyroidism

Diabetes Insipidus

Thyroid Enlargement (Nontoxic Goiter)

DC 7902·Endocrine

Hypoparathyroidism

DC 7905·Endocrine

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7911

Rating range

20% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your Addison's disease causes 3 or more adrenal crises per year, or your crises are severe enough to prevent you from working during episodes.

What the VA looks for

3 or more adrenal crises per year documented
Hospitalizations for adrenal crisis
Inability to work during crisis episodes
Frequent emergency treatment records
Documentation of crisis frequency and severity

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not carrying and documenting your emergency injection kit (Solu-Cortef) — having to carry emergency medication and wearing a medical alert bracelet shows the severity of your condition.

⚠Not documenting every adrenal crisis event, including emergency room visits, urgent care, and episodes managed at home with stress doses — the rating depends on crisis frequency.

⚠Not connecting Addison's disease to service-related causes such as autoimmune conditions triggered by service, infections, or medications used during service.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — Addison's disease can cause or worsen depression, fatigue, low blood pressure, and bone loss.