Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type II (Schmidt Syndrome)

DC 7999-7900Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7999-7900

An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks multiple endocrine glands, most commonly causing adrenal insufficiency and thyroid disease together, often with type 1 diabetes. The VA rates this based on the combined effects of multiple gland failures.

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 7999-7900

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7999-7900. 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 Schmidt 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 treatment.

What the VA looks for

Complete failure of three or more endocrine glands
Life-threatening adrenal or hypoglycemic crises
Severe multi-system complications
Maximum hormone replacement with continued deterioration
Frequent hospitalizations
Unable to perform daily activities or maintain employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for each affected gland as a separate condition — adrenal insufficiency (DC 7911), hypothyroidism (DC 7903), and diabetes (DC 7913) may each warrant their own rating in addition to the syndrome rating.
⚠Not getting comprehensive autoantibody testing — 21-hydroxylase, TPO, GAD65, and other antibody tests document the autoimmune nature and all affected glands.
⚠Not carrying and documenting the use of an emergency cortisol injection kit — this demonstrates the severity of adrenal insufficiency and supports higher ratings.
⚠Not connecting to environmental exposures, vaccinations, or infections during military service that may have triggered the autoimmune cascade.

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…

Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type II (Schmidt Syndrome)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7999-7900

Rating range

20% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Complete failure of three or more endocrine glands
Life-threatening adrenal or hypoglycemic crises
Severe multi-system complications
Maximum hormone replacement with continued deterioration
Frequent hospitalizations
Unable to perform daily activities or maintain employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing for each affected gland as a separate condition — adrenal insufficiency (DC 7911), hypothyroidism (DC 7903), and diabetes (DC 7913) may each warrant their own rating in addition to the syndrome rating.

⚠Not getting comprehensive autoantibody testing — 21-hydroxylase, TPO, GAD65, and other antibody tests document the autoimmune nature and all affected glands.

⚠Not carrying and documenting the use of an emergency cortisol injection kit — this demonstrates the severity of adrenal insufficiency and supports higher ratings.

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