Adrenal Crisis Residuals

DC 7911Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7911

Ongoing health effects from a history of adrenal crisis, requiring daily steroid medication to prevent life-threatening episodes. The VA rates adrenal crisis residuals based on the treatment you need and how often you have episodes.

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 adrenal crisis residuals cause 3 or more crisis episodes per year, or the episodes are severe enough to prevent you from working.

What the VA looks for

3 or more adrenal crisis episodes per year documented
Hospitalizations for adrenal crisis
Inability to work during episodes
Frequent emergency treatment records
Ambulance transport or ICU admission documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every crisis episode — the rating depends on how many crises you have per year, so each event must be in your medical records, including those managed at home with stress doses.
⚠Not connecting the adrenal crisis to service-related causes such as traumatic brain injury, infections, medications, or autoimmune conditions triggered during service.
⚠Not keeping records of your emergency injection kit, medical alert bracelet, and stress dosing protocol — these show the VA how serious your condition is.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — adrenal insufficiency can cause or worsen depression, fatigue, low blood pressure, bone loss, and muscle weakness.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Endocrine Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

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 adrenal crisis residuals cause 3 or more crisis episodes per year, or the episodes are severe enough to prevent you from working.

What the VA looks for

3 or more adrenal crisis episodes per year documented
Hospitalizations for adrenal crisis
Inability to work during episodes
Frequent emergency treatment records
Ambulance transport or ICU admission documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting every crisis episode — the rating depends on how many crises you have per year, so each event must be in your medical records, including those managed at home with stress doses.

⚠Not connecting the adrenal crisis to service-related causes such as traumatic brain injury, infections, medications, or autoimmune conditions triggered during service.

⚠Not keeping records of your emergency injection kit, medical alert bracelet, and stress dosing protocol — these show the VA how serious your condition is.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — adrenal insufficiency can cause or worsen depression, fatigue, low blood pressure, bone loss, and muscle weakness.