Primary Hyperparathyroidism Surgical Residuals

DC 7904Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7904

Lasting health effects after surgery to remove one or more overactive parathyroid glands. Primary hyperparathyroidism causes high calcium levels that can damage bones, kidneys, and other organs. Even after surgery, veterans may have ongoing calcium problems, bone loss, kidney stones, or nerve damage. The VA rates this based on your calcium levels, bone health, kidney function, and ongoing treatment needs.

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 7904

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7904. 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

You have severe residuals including marked bone loss with fractures, chronic kidney disease from calcium damage, severe hypoparathyroidism with frequent low-calcium episodes, or persistent disease recurrence.

What the VA looks for

Pathologic fractures from bone loss
Chronic kidney disease documented (eGFR staging)
Severe hypoparathyroidism with hypocalcemic episodes
Frequent ER visits for calcium-related emergencies
Recurrent hyperparathyroidism requiring reoperation
Significant functional impairment documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting pre-surgical bone and kidney damage — hyperparathyroidism may have caused bone loss and kidney damage before surgery. Get baseline DEXA scans and kidney function tests to establish the extent of damage.
⚠Assuming surgery fixes everything — many veterans have lasting bone loss, kidney stones, and calcium regulation problems after parathyroidectomy. Continue monitoring and documenting these residuals.
⚠Not claiming post-surgical hypoparathyroidism — if too much parathyroid tissue was removed, you may have permanently low calcium levels. This is a separate ratable condition.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — hyperparathyroidism can cause kidney stones, osteoporosis with fractures, depression, and cardiovascular problems. Each may be rated separately.
⚠Not getting regular bone density scans — DEXA scans showing osteopenia or osteoporosis are objective evidence of ongoing damage from hyperparathyroidism.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Thyroid and Parathyroid Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Primary Hyperparathyroidism Surgical Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7904

Rating range

0% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Pathologic fractures from bone loss
Chronic kidney disease documented (eGFR staging)
Severe hypoparathyroidism with hypocalcemic episodes
Frequent ER visits for calcium-related emergencies
Recurrent hyperparathyroidism requiring reoperation
Significant functional impairment documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting pre-surgical bone and kidney damage — hyperparathyroidism may have caused bone loss and kidney damage before surgery. Get baseline DEXA scans and kidney function tests to establish the extent of damage.

⚠Assuming surgery fixes everything — many veterans have lasting bone loss, kidney stones, and calcium regulation problems after parathyroidectomy. Continue monitoring and documenting these residuals.

⚠Not claiming post-surgical hypoparathyroidism — if too much parathyroid tissue was removed, you may have permanently low calcium levels. This is a separate ratable condition.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — hyperparathyroidism can cause kidney stones, osteoporosis with fractures, depression, and cardiovascular problems. Each may be rated separately.

⚠Not getting regular bone density scans — DEXA scans showing osteopenia or osteoporosis are objective evidence of ongoing damage from hyperparathyroidism.