Lipodystrophy

DC 7999-7913Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7999-7913

A condition where your body cannot properly store fat, leading to fat loss in some areas and sometimes fat buildup in others. It can be caused by medications used during military service (especially antiretroviral drugs or insulin injections), or by autoimmune processes triggered by service. This causes serious metabolic problems including insulin resistance, high triglycerides, and liver disease.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 7999-7913

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7999-7913. 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 lipodystrophy causes life-threatening metabolic complications with multiple organ involvement, requiring complex multi-drug therapy and frequent medical management, with severe limitation of daily activities.

What the VA looks for

Multiple organ involvement documented
Frequent hospitalizations for metabolic crises
Complex multi-drug therapy regimen
Severe hepatic, cardiac, or renal complications
Inability to maintain employment documented
Endocrinology and multi-specialist management

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting to the causative medication — if your lipodystrophy was caused by military medications (antiretrovirals, insulin injections, corticosteroids), you need documentation of the medication use and a medical opinion linking it to your condition.
⚠Not documenting the metabolic complications — lipodystrophy itself may seem "cosmetic," but the metabolic effects (diabetes, liver disease, heart disease risk) are what drive the rating. Get comprehensive metabolic panels regularly.
⚠Not getting an endocrinology referral — lipodystrophy is a complex metabolic condition. A specialist evaluation carries more weight than a general practitioner assessment.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — lipodystrophy can cause diabetes, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and pancreatitis, each potentially rated separately.
⚠Not documenting the psychological impact — visible fat redistribution can cause significant distress and social withdrawal. Consider a secondary mental health claim.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Endocrine Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Lipodystrophy

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7999-7913

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Multiple organ involvement documented
Frequent hospitalizations for metabolic crises
Complex multi-drug therapy regimen
Severe hepatic, cardiac, or renal complications
Inability to maintain employment documented
Endocrinology and multi-specialist management

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting to the causative medication — if your lipodystrophy was caused by military medications (antiretrovirals, insulin injections, corticosteroids), you need documentation of the medication use and a medical opinion linking it to your condition.

⚠Not documenting the metabolic complications — lipodystrophy itself may seem "cosmetic," but the metabolic effects (diabetes, liver disease, heart disease risk) are what drive the rating. Get comprehensive metabolic panels regularly.

⚠Not getting an endocrinology referral — lipodystrophy is a complex metabolic condition. A specialist evaluation carries more weight than a general practitioner assessment.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — lipodystrophy can cause diabetes, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and pancreatitis, each potentially rated separately.

⚠Not documenting the psychological impact — visible fat redistribution can cause significant distress and social withdrawal. Consider a secondary mental health claim.