Hypothyroidism

DC 7903Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7903

A condition where your thyroid gland does not make enough hormones, causing fatigue, weight gain, and cold sensitivity. The VA rates hypothyroidism based on how it affects your body 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 7903

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7903. 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 hypothyroidism is severe (myxedema crisis) with cold intolerance, muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement, mental disturbance, bradycardia, and sleepiness.

What the VA looks for

Myxedema or severe hypothyroid state
Frequent interruption of routine activities by sleep
Severe cardiovascular involvement
Significant mental disturbance (dementia-level)
Severe muscular weakness
Marked cold intolerance
Bradycardia below 60 bpm

Common Pitfalls

⚠Assuming that medication alone means you cannot get more than 10% — if you still have symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or mental sluggishness despite medication, you may qualify for 30% or higher.
⚠Not documenting cardiovascular effects — a consistently slow heart rate (below 60 bpm) and cardiac changes are key for 60% and 100% ratings. Ask your doctor to document resting heart rate.
⚠Not connecting hypothyroidism to radiation exposure during service, head/neck injuries, or medications that affect thyroid function.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — hypothyroidism can cause or worsen depression, weight gain leading to joint problems, high cholesterol, and peripheral neuropathy.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Thyroid and Parathyroid Conditions

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

Related Conditions

Conditions commonly associated with Hypothyroidism or rated under the same body system.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

DC 9434·Mental Disorders·Possible secondary

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

DC 6847·Respiratory·Possible secondary

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

DC 8515·Neurological·Possible secondary

Peripheral Neuropathy — Lower Extremities

DC 8520·Neurological·Possible secondary

Diabetes Mellitus Type II

DC 7913·Endocrine

Hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease)

DC 7900·Endocrine

Addison's Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency)

DC 7911·Endocrine

Cushing's Syndrome

DC 7907·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 7903

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your hypothyroidism is severe (myxedema crisis) with cold intolerance, muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement, mental disturbance, bradycardia, and sleepiness.

What the VA looks for

Myxedema or severe hypothyroid state
Frequent interruption of routine activities by sleep
Severe cardiovascular involvement
Significant mental disturbance (dementia-level)
Severe muscular weakness
Marked cold intolerance
Bradycardia below 60 bpm

Common Pitfalls

⚠Assuming that medication alone means you cannot get more than 10% — if you still have symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or mental sluggishness despite medication, you may qualify for 30% or higher.

⚠Not documenting cardiovascular effects — a consistently slow heart rate (below 60 bpm) and cardiac changes are key for 60% and 100% ratings. Ask your doctor to document resting heart rate.

⚠Not connecting hypothyroidism to radiation exposure during service, head/neck injuries, or medications that affect thyroid function.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — hypothyroidism can cause or worsen depression, weight gain leading to joint problems, high cholesterol, and peripheral neuropathy.