Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

DC 7911Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7911

A genetic condition where your adrenal glands cannot make cortisol properly, requiring lifelong steroid replacement. The VA rates congenital adrenal hyperplasia based on the treatment you need and how well your condition is controlled.

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 congenital adrenal hyperplasia causes 3 or more adrenal crisis episodes per year, or the episodes prevent you from working.

What the VA looks for

3 or more adrenal crises per year documented
Frequent hospitalizations
Inability to work during episodes
Multiple emergency treatments documented
Severe impact on daily functioning

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing that the condition was aggravated by military service — even though congenital adrenal hyperplasia is genetic, the physical stresses of service can worsen it, and aggravation claims are valid.
⚠Not documenting every adrenal crisis and hospitalization — the rating level depends directly on how many crises you have per year.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — congenital adrenal hyperplasia can cause fertility problems, bone density loss, obesity, and mental health conditions that may each be rated separately.
⚠Not keeping detailed records of stress dosing during illness, surgery, or physical stress — this shows the VA how fragile your adrenal function is.

Related DBQ Forms

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

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

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your congenital adrenal hyperplasia causes 3 or more adrenal crisis episodes per year, or the episodes prevent you from working.

What the VA looks for

3 or more adrenal crises per year documented
Frequent hospitalizations
Inability to work during episodes
Multiple emergency treatments documented
Severe impact on daily functioning

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not establishing that the condition was aggravated by military service — even though congenital adrenal hyperplasia is genetic, the physical stresses of service can worsen it, and aggravation claims are valid.

⚠Not documenting every adrenal crisis and hospitalization — the rating level depends directly on how many crises you have per year.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — congenital adrenal hyperplasia can cause fertility problems, bone density loss, obesity, and mental health conditions that may each be rated separately.

⚠Not keeping detailed records of stress dosing during illness, surgery, or physical stress — this shows the VA how fragile your adrenal function is.