Adrenal Adenoma

DC 7911Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7911

A benign tumor of the adrenal gland that may produce excess hormones (cortisol, aldosterone, or catecholamines) or remain nonfunctional. The VA rates adrenal adenoma based on the hormonal effects, treatment requirements, and residual complications after surgical removal.

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

10% – 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 adrenal adenoma or its surgical treatment has caused significant adrenal insufficiency with periodic adrenal crises, requiring high-dose corticosteroids and causing inability to tolerate physical or emotional stress.

What the VA looks for

Significant adrenal insufficiency post-adrenalectomy
Periodic adrenal crises requiring emergency treatment
High-dose corticosteroid therapy documented
Emergency injection (Solu-Cortef) prescribed
Inability to tolerate physical or emotional stress documented
Significant impact on employment and daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting comprehensive hormone panel testing to determine if the adenoma is functional — cortisol, aldosterone, and catecholamines should all be checked.
⚠Not documenting post-surgical adrenal insufficiency if one adrenal gland was removed — the remaining gland may not fully compensate.
⚠Not connecting to environmental or chemical exposures during military service that may have contributed to tumor development.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by excess hormone production (e.g., Cushing syndrome from cortisol-producing adenoma, hypertension from aldosterone-producing adenoma).

Related DBQ Forms

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

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Adrenal Adenoma

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7911

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Significant adrenal insufficiency post-adrenalectomy
Periodic adrenal crises requiring emergency treatment
High-dose corticosteroid therapy documented
Emergency injection (Solu-Cortef) prescribed
Inability to tolerate physical or emotional stress documented
Significant impact on employment and daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting comprehensive hormone panel testing to determine if the adenoma is functional — cortisol, aldosterone, and catecholamines should all be checked.

⚠Not documenting post-surgical adrenal insufficiency if one adrenal gland was removed — the remaining gland may not fully compensate.

⚠Not connecting to environmental or chemical exposures during military service that may have contributed to tumor development.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by excess hormone production (e.g., Cushing syndrome from cortisol-producing adenoma, hypertension from aldosterone-producing adenoma).