Pituitary Macroadenoma (Non-Functioning)

DC 7915Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7915

A large benign tumor of the pituitary gland (10mm or bigger) that does not produce excess hormones but can press on surrounding structures, causing headaches, vision loss, and pituitary hormone deficiencies. The VA rates this based on residual effects.

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 7915

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7915. 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 pituitary macroadenoma has caused severe vision loss, diabetes insipidus requiring constant treatment, complete pituitary failure, or the tumor has recurred or is growing despite treatment, causing life-threatening complications.

What the VA looks for

Severe vision loss or legal blindness documented
Diabetes insipidus requiring constant treatment
Complete pituitary failure
Tumor recurrence or progression on imaging
Life-threatening complications requiring frequent hospitalization
Inability to perform daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for visual field loss separately — if the tumor compresses the optic chiasm causing visual deficits, this can be rated under the visual system (DC 6080) in addition to the endocrine rating.
⚠Not documenting each hormone deficiency individually — testosterone, cortisol, thyroid, and growth hormone deficiencies may each warrant their own consideration or combined evaluation.
⚠Not connecting to head trauma during military service — traumatic brain injury is a recognized cause of pituitary damage that may not manifest until years later.
⚠Not getting regular MRI surveillance documented — growth of the tumor on serial imaging supports higher ratings and may justify surgical intervention.

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…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7915

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Severe vision loss or legal blindness documented
Diabetes insipidus requiring constant treatment
Complete pituitary failure
Tumor recurrence or progression on imaging
Life-threatening complications requiring frequent hospitalization
Inability to perform daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for visual field loss separately — if the tumor compresses the optic chiasm causing visual deficits, this can be rated under the visual system (DC 6080) in addition to the endocrine rating.

⚠Not documenting each hormone deficiency individually — testosterone, cortisol, thyroid, and growth hormone deficiencies may each warrant their own consideration or combined evaluation.

⚠Not connecting to head trauma during military service — traumatic brain injury is a recognized cause of pituitary damage that may not manifest until years later.

⚠Not getting regular MRI surveillance documented — growth of the tumor on serial imaging supports higher ratings and may justify surgical intervention.