Hyperinsulinism

DC 7916Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7916

A condition where your body produces too much insulin, causing repeated episodes of dangerously low blood sugar. The VA rates hyperinsulinism based on how often you have hypoglycemic episodes and what treatment you need.

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 7916

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7916. 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 hyperinsulinism causes life-threatening hypoglycemic episodes requiring three or more hospitalizations per year, or you have required surgical removal of pancreatic tissue with continued severe episodes, and you cannot maintain daily activities safely.

What the VA looks for

Three or more hospitalizations per year for severe hypoglycemia
Life-threatening hypoglycemic episodes
Surgical intervention (partial pancreatectomy) documented
Continued severe hypoglycemia despite maximum treatment
Progressive weight loss and weakness
Unable to perform daily activities safely

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not distinguishing hyperinsulinism from reactive hypoglycemia — hyperinsulinism involves excessive insulin production and requires specific endocrine testing (supervised fasting test, insulin/C-peptide levels) to confirm.
⚠Not documenting all emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe hypoglycemia — the frequency directly affects your rating level.
⚠Not connecting to medications started during military service that can cause hyperinsulinism, or to pancreatic injuries sustained during service.
⚠Not filing for secondary cognitive impairment — repeated severe hypoglycemic episodes can cause brain damage and memory problems that warrant a separate neurological or mental health rating.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7916

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Three or more hospitalizations per year for severe hypoglycemia
Life-threatening hypoglycemic episodes
Surgical intervention (partial pancreatectomy) documented
Continued severe hypoglycemia despite maximum treatment
Progressive weight loss and weakness
Unable to perform daily activities safely

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not distinguishing hyperinsulinism from reactive hypoglycemia — hyperinsulinism involves excessive insulin production and requires specific endocrine testing (supervised fasting test, insulin/C-peptide levels) to confirm.

⚠Not documenting all emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe hypoglycemia — the frequency directly affects your rating level.

⚠Not connecting to medications started during military service that can cause hyperinsulinism, or to pancreatic injuries sustained during service.

⚠Not filing for secondary cognitive impairment — repeated severe hypoglycemic episodes can cause brain damage and memory problems that warrant a separate neurological or mental health rating.