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.

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 →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

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.