Pheochromocytoma

DC 7916Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7916

A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that produces too much adrenaline and similar hormones, causing sudden spikes in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, headaches, and sweating. The VA rates pheochromocytoma based on whether the tumor is active or has been removed, and on any lasting effects from the tumor or its treatment.

Rating Levels

You have an active tumor that causes uncontrolled blood pressure spikes that are life-threatening, or your pheochromocytoma is malignant (cancerous) and has spread to other parts of your body.

What the VA looks for

Active, unresectable pheochromocytoma
Uncontrolled hypertensive crises despite maximum treatment
Malignant or metastatic disease confirmed on biopsy or imaging
Life-threatening cardiovascular events
Frequent hospitalizations
Chemotherapy or radiation for malignant disease
Precludes employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Assuming you cannot get a rating after surgical removal — even after the tumor is taken out, lasting effects like high blood pressure, anxiety, or heart damage may continue and are separately ratable.
⚠Not documenting blood pressure spikes at home — hypertensive crises can happen between doctor visits. Keep a daily blood pressure log and bring it to every appointment.
⚠Not getting regular catecholamine and metanephrine blood or urine tests — these tests show whether the tumor has come back or if you still have excess adrenaline production. The VA uses these results to evaluate severity.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — pheochromocytoma can cause lasting heart damage (cardiomyopathy), anxiety, kidney damage, and diabetes, each of which may warrant a separate rating.
⚠Not connecting the condition to service — pheochromocytoma can be linked to genetic conditions triggered by environmental exposures during service, or may develop after exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. Document any relevant service history.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Endocrine Diseases (Other Than Thyroid, Parathyroid, Diabetes)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Pheochromocytoma

Rating Levels

You have an active tumor that causes uncontrolled blood pressure spikes that are life-threatening, or your pheochromocytoma is malignant (cancerous) and has spread to other parts of your body.

What the VA looks for

Active, unresectable pheochromocytoma
Uncontrolled hypertensive crises despite maximum treatment
Malignant or metastatic disease confirmed on biopsy or imaging
Life-threatening cardiovascular events
Frequent hospitalizations
Chemotherapy or radiation for malignant disease
Precludes employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Assuming you cannot get a rating after surgical removal — even after the tumor is taken out, lasting effects like high blood pressure, anxiety, or heart damage may continue and are separately ratable.

⚠Not documenting blood pressure spikes at home — hypertensive crises can happen between doctor visits. Keep a daily blood pressure log and bring it to every appointment.

⚠Not getting regular catecholamine and metanephrine blood or urine tests — these tests show whether the tumor has come back or if you still have excess adrenaline production. The VA uses these results to evaluate severity.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — pheochromocytoma can cause lasting heart damage (cardiomyopathy), anxiety, kidney damage, and diabetes, each of which may warrant a separate rating.

⚠Not connecting the condition to service — pheochromocytoma can be linked to genetic conditions triggered by environmental exposures during service, or may develop after exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. Document any relevant service history.