Thyroid Cancer Residuals

DC 7903Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7903

Residual effects after surgical treatment for thyroid cancer. The VA assigns a 100% rating for six months following surgery, then rates based on residual conditions such as hypothyroidism, vocal cord paralysis, hypoparathyroidism, or cancer recurrence.

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 7903

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 7903. 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

You are within six months of thyroid cancer surgery with active treatment, or you have cancer recurrence or metastatic disease requiring ongoing treatment.

What the VA looks for

Recent thyroid cancer surgery within six months
Active radiation or chemotherapy treatment
Evidence of cancer recurrence or metastatic disease
Ongoing oncology treatment plan documented
Pathology confirming malignant neoplasm

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing immediately after surgery — you are entitled to a 100% rating for six months after thyroid cancer surgery. File as soon as possible to capture this temporary total rating.
⚠Not documenting all residual conditions separately — vocal cord paralysis, hypoparathyroidism, and hypothyroidism are each ratable conditions that may warrant separate ratings after the initial 100% period.
⚠Assuming the rating drops to 0% after six months — the VA must schedule a mandatory re-examination to determine your residual rating. Document all ongoing symptoms before this examination.
⚠Not connecting scarring from surgery — surgical scars on the neck may qualify for a separate rating under the skin rating criteria if they are painful, unstable, or disfiguring.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Thyroid and Parathyroid Conditions
DBQ Neck Conditions

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 7903

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You are within six months of thyroid cancer surgery with active treatment, or you have cancer recurrence or metastatic disease requiring ongoing treatment.

What the VA looks for

Recent thyroid cancer surgery within six months
Active radiation or chemotherapy treatment
Evidence of cancer recurrence or metastatic disease
Ongoing oncology treatment plan documented
Pathology confirming malignant neoplasm

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing immediately after surgery — you are entitled to a 100% rating for six months after thyroid cancer surgery. File as soon as possible to capture this temporary total rating.

⚠Not documenting all residual conditions separately — vocal cord paralysis, hypoparathyroidism, and hypothyroidism are each ratable conditions that may warrant separate ratings after the initial 100% period.

⚠Assuming the rating drops to 0% after six months — the VA must schedule a mandatory re-examination to determine your residual rating. Document all ongoing symptoms before this examination.

⚠Not connecting scarring from surgery — surgical scars on the neck may qualify for a separate rating under the skin rating criteria if they are painful, unstable, or disfiguring.