Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome

DC 7911Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7911

An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks multiple endocrine glands, causing failure of two or more hormone-producing organs. This may include adrenal insufficiency, thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, and hypogonadism. The VA rates based on the combined severity of all affected glands and treatment complexity.

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 7911

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7911. 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 polyglandular autoimmune syndrome has caused complete failure of multiple endocrine glands with life-threatening crises, severe multi-system complications, and inability to perform daily activities even with maximum hormone replacement.

What the VA looks for

Complete failure of multiple endocrine glands
Life-threatening adrenal or hypoglycemic crises
Severe multi-system complications documented
Maximum hormone replacement with continued deterioration
Frequent hospitalizations
Precludes employment and self-care

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for each affected gland separately — adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and hypogonadism may each warrant their own rating in addition to the combined syndrome rating.
⚠Not getting comprehensive autoantibody testing to document all affected glands — some gland failures may be subclinical initially.
⚠Not connecting to environmental exposures or vaccinations during military service that may have triggered the autoimmune cascade.
⚠Not documenting the cumulative impact of managing multiple hormone replacements — the complexity and interactions between medications significantly affect daily functioning.

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…

Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7911

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Complete failure of multiple endocrine glands
Life-threatening adrenal or hypoglycemic crises
Severe multi-system complications documented
Maximum hormone replacement with continued deterioration
Frequent hospitalizations
Precludes employment and self-care

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for each affected gland separately — adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and hypogonadism may each warrant their own rating in addition to the combined syndrome rating.

⚠Not getting comprehensive autoantibody testing to document all affected glands — some gland failures may be subclinical initially.

⚠Not connecting to environmental exposures or vaccinations during military service that may have triggered the autoimmune cascade.

⚠Not documenting the cumulative impact of managing multiple hormone replacements — the complexity and interactions between medications significantly affect daily functioning.