Parathyroid Adenoma Residuals

DC 7903Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7903

Ongoing health effects after treatment for a parathyroid tumor, which can leave you with too much or too little parathyroid hormone. The VA rates residuals based on calcium levels, bone health, and treatment needed.

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% – 60%

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 parathyroid residuals cause severe bone disease, recurrent kidney stones, or significant organ damage requiring intensive treatment.

What the VA looks for

Severe osteoporosis or pathologic fractures
Recurrent kidney stones requiring intervention
Cardiovascular complications (arrhythmias)
Severe muscle weakness or tetany episodes
Significant kidney damage from calcium deposits
Intensive medical management documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all residual effects after parathyroid surgery — changes in calcium, bone density, muscle function, and kidney health should all be tracked with lab work and imaging.
⚠Not getting a DEXA bone density scan — long-term hyperparathyroidism causes bone loss that is separately ratable and provides strong evidence for a higher rating.
⚠Not reporting muscle cramps, tingling, and fatigue — these are signs of hypoparathyroidism (too little parathyroid hormone) after surgery and are key rating factors.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — parathyroid problems can cause kidney stones, osteoporosis, depression, and cardiac arrhythmias that may each warrant separate ratings.

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% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your parathyroid residuals cause severe bone disease, recurrent kidney stones, or significant organ damage requiring intensive treatment.

What the VA looks for

Severe osteoporosis or pathologic fractures
Recurrent kidney stones requiring intervention
Cardiovascular complications (arrhythmias)
Severe muscle weakness or tetany episodes
Significant kidney damage from calcium deposits
Intensive medical management documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all residual effects after parathyroid surgery — changes in calcium, bone density, muscle function, and kidney health should all be tracked with lab work and imaging.

⚠Not getting a DEXA bone density scan — long-term hyperparathyroidism causes bone loss that is separately ratable and provides strong evidence for a higher rating.

⚠Not reporting muscle cramps, tingling, and fatigue — these are signs of hypoparathyroidism (too little parathyroid hormone) after surgery and are key rating factors.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — parathyroid problems can cause kidney stones, osteoporosis, depression, and cardiac arrhythmias that may each warrant separate ratings.