Prolactinoma (Pituitary Adenoma)

DC 7915Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7915

A noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland that produces excess prolactin hormone, causing headaches, vision problems, and hormonal imbalances. Rated based on tumor effects and treatment requirements.

Rating Levels

You are currently undergoing active treatment for a malignant pituitary neoplasm, or your prolactinoma has caused severe complications that prevent you from working.

What the VA looks for

Active treatment for malignant pituitary neoplasm
Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy for pituitary tumor
Severe visual loss from tumor compression
Panhypopituitarism requiring multiple hormone replacements
Precludes employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting visual field defects with formal visual field testing.
⚠Not reporting hormonal side effects (infertility, low testosterone, menstrual irregularities).
⚠Not connecting to head trauma during military service that may have triggered the tumor.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions like headaches, sexual dysfunction, and osteoporosis caused by hormonal imbalance.

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…