SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH Secretion)

DC 7909Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7909

A condition where your body makes too much antidiuretic hormone (ADH), causing your body to retain too much water and your blood sodium to drop dangerously low. The VA rates SIADH based on the severity of symptoms and treatment needed.

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 7909

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7909. 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 SIADH causes recurrent episodes of severe hyponatremia requiring hospitalization for IV sodium correction, or you have chronic severe symptoms despite maximum treatment that significantly limit daily activities.

What the VA looks for

Recurrent hospitalizations for severe hyponatremia
IV sodium correction required
Seizure risk from low sodium documented
Maximum medical management documented
Significant limitation of daily activities
Impact on employment documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all episodes of hyponatremia — keep records of every blood test showing low sodium, as the frequency and severity of episodes directly affects your rating.
⚠Not connecting SIADH to head trauma, brain surgery, or medications prescribed during military service — these are common causes that establish service connection.
⚠Not describing cognitive effects of low sodium — confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and falls from dizziness should all be documented.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chronic hyponatremia can cause osteoporosis, falls with fractures, and cognitive impairment that may each warrant separate ratings.

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 7909

Rating range

10% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Recurrent hospitalizations for severe hyponatremia
IV sodium correction required
Seizure risk from low sodium documented
Maximum medical management documented
Significant limitation of daily activities
Impact on employment documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting all episodes of hyponatremia — keep records of every blood test showing low sodium, as the frequency and severity of episodes directly affects your rating.

⚠Not connecting SIADH to head trauma, brain surgery, or medications prescribed during military service — these are common causes that establish service connection.

⚠Not describing cognitive effects of low sodium — confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and falls from dizziness should all be documented.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chronic hyponatremia can cause osteoporosis, falls with fractures, and cognitive impairment that may each warrant separate ratings.