Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

DC 7903Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7903

A type of thyroid cancer that starts in the C cells of the thyroid gland, which produce a hormone called calcitonin. The VA rates this at 100% during active treatment, then rates residual conditions after treatment ends.

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

You have active medullary thyroid carcinoma requiring treatment, or you have metastatic disease. This rating continues for six months following completion of treatment, then the condition is re-evaluated.

What the VA looks for

Active medullary thyroid carcinoma on pathology
Ongoing surgical, radiation, or chemotherapy treatment
Metastatic disease on imaging
Elevated calcitonin and CEA levels
Within six months of completing treatment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for the 100% rating during active treatment — you are entitled to 100% from the date of diagnosis through six months after treatment ends.
⚠Not filing for each residual condition separately after treatment — hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, voice changes from nerve damage, and surgical scarring can each receive separate ratings.
⚠Not getting genetic testing for MEN2 syndrome — medullary thyroid carcinoma can be part of a hereditary syndrome that causes other endocrine tumors (pheochromocytoma, hyperparathyroidism), each of which is separately ratable.
⚠Not maintaining regular calcitonin surveillance — rising calcitonin levels indicate recurrence and can support a return to the 100% rating.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7903

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Active medullary thyroid carcinoma on pathology
Ongoing surgical, radiation, or chemotherapy treatment
Metastatic disease on imaging
Elevated calcitonin and CEA levels
Within six months of completing treatment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for the 100% rating during active treatment — you are entitled to 100% from the date of diagnosis through six months after treatment ends.

⚠Not filing for each residual condition separately after treatment — hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, voice changes from nerve damage, and surgical scarring can each receive separate ratings.

⚠Not getting genetic testing for MEN2 syndrome — medullary thyroid carcinoma can be part of a hereditary syndrome that causes other endocrine tumors (pheochromocytoma, hyperparathyroidism), each of which is separately ratable.

⚠Not maintaining regular calcitonin surveillance — rising calcitonin levels indicate recurrence and can support a return to the 100% rating.