Cushing's Syndrome

DC 7907Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7907

A condition caused by too much cortisol in your body, often from long-term steroid medication use or an adrenal/pituitary tumor. The VA rates Cushing's syndrome based on the treatment required and how it affects other body systems.

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 7907

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7907. 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 Cushing's syndrome is progressive and incapacitating, with severe involvement of multiple body systems despite treatment.

What the VA looks for

Progressive disease despite treatment
Severe multi-system involvement
Incapacitating symptoms preventing employment
Multiple secondary conditions documented
Frequent hospitalizations
Significant muscle wasting and weakness

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all secondary conditions caused by excess cortisol — hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness may each warrant separate service-connected ratings.
⚠If Cushing's syndrome was caused by VA-prescribed steroids for a service-connected condition, document the medication history clearly — this supports a secondary service connection claim.
⚠Not getting bone density (DEXA) scans to document osteoporosis — cortisol excess weakens bones and this is a separately ratable condition.
⚠Not reporting the full impact of physical changes — weight gain, moon face, skin fragility, and muscle weakness all affect functioning and should be documented.

Related DBQ Forms

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

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →See secondary conditions →

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Cushing's Syndrome or rated under the same body system.

Diabetes Mellitus Type II

DC 7913·Endocrine

Hypothyroidism

DC 7903·Endocrine

Hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease)

DC 7900·Endocrine

Addison's Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency)

DC 7911·Endocrine

Hyperparathyroidism

DC 7904·Endocrine

Diabetes Insipidus

DC 7909·Endocrine

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 7907

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your Cushing's syndrome is progressive and incapacitating, with severe involvement of multiple body systems despite treatment.

What the VA looks for

Progressive disease despite treatment
Severe multi-system involvement
Incapacitating symptoms preventing employment
Multiple secondary conditions documented
Frequent hospitalizations
Significant muscle wasting and weakness

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all secondary conditions caused by excess cortisol — hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness may each warrant separate service-connected ratings.

⚠If Cushing's syndrome was caused by VA-prescribed steroids for a service-connected condition, document the medication history clearly — this supports a secondary service connection claim.

⚠Not getting bone density (DEXA) scans to document osteoporosis — cortisol excess weakens bones and this is a separately ratable condition.

⚠Not reporting the full impact of physical changes — weight gain, moon face, skin fragility, and muscle weakness all affect functioning and should be documented.