Pheochromocytoma Residuals

DC 7918Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7918

Residual effects from pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal gland that causes episodes of dangerously high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and sweating. The VA rates residuals based on the frequency and severity of hypertensive crises, ongoing medication needs, and cardiovascular damage.

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 7918

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7918. 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 an active, unresectable, or metastatic pheochromocytoma with continuous medical management, or you are within six months of surgery for malignant pheochromocytoma.

What the VA looks for

Active malignant pheochromocytoma on imaging
Ongoing chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy
Recent surgery within six months
Unresectable or metastatic disease documented
Continuous medical management for catecholamine excess

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing within six months of surgery — you may be entitled to a 100% temporary rating during the post-surgical recovery period, similar to other malignant neoplasm ratings.
⚠Not documenting hypertensive crises — keep a blood pressure log and document every episode of dangerously high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. Emergency room records are strong evidence.
⚠Not requesting follow-up catecholamine and metanephrine testing — recurrence can happen, and elevated levels after surgery support continued or higher ratings.
⚠Not filing for secondary cardiovascular conditions — pheochromocytoma can cause permanent heart damage, cardiomyopathy, and chronic hypertension that may each be rated separately.

Related DBQ Forms

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

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Pheochromocytoma Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7918

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have an active, unresectable, or metastatic pheochromocytoma with continuous medical management, or you are within six months of surgery for malignant pheochromocytoma.

What the VA looks for

Active malignant pheochromocytoma on imaging
Ongoing chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy
Recent surgery within six months
Unresectable or metastatic disease documented
Continuous medical management for catecholamine excess

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing within six months of surgery — you may be entitled to a 100% temporary rating during the post-surgical recovery period, similar to other malignant neoplasm ratings.

⚠Not documenting hypertensive crises — keep a blood pressure log and document every episode of dangerously high blood pressure, headaches, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. Emergency room records are strong evidence.

⚠Not requesting follow-up catecholamine and metanephrine testing — recurrence can happen, and elevated levels after surgery support continued or higher ratings.

⚠Not filing for secondary cardiovascular conditions — pheochromocytoma can cause permanent heart damage, cardiomyopathy, and chronic hypertension that may each be rated separately.