Thyroid Storm Residuals

DC 7900Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7900

Thyroid storm is a life-threatening episode of extremely overactive thyroid function. The VA rates residuals based on lasting damage to the heart, nervous system, and other organs after the crisis is treated.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 7900

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.119, DC 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 thyroid storm caused severe lasting damage with thyroid enlargement, rapid and irregular heartbeat, increased metabolic rate, eye involvement, muscular weakness, loss of weight, and sympathetic nervous system overactivity. You cannot maintain daily activities.

What the VA looks for

Thyroid enlargement documented
Resting heart rate consistently above 100 bpm
Eye involvement (exophthalmos, lid lag)
Severe muscular weakness
Significant weight loss
Sympathetic nervous system dysfunction
Unable to maintain daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the initial thyroid storm episode thoroughly — hospital records, ICU admission notes, and emergency treatment records are critical to establishing the severity of the event.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by the thyroid storm — cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, osteoporosis, and anxiety disorders are common lasting effects that may each warrant separate ratings.
⚠Not connecting the thyroid storm to service-related stress, medication changes, or untreated hyperthyroidism during military service.
⚠Assuming that stabilized thyroid levels mean no residual damage — organ damage from the thyroid storm persists even after thyroid function is controlled.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Thyroid and Parathyroid 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 7900

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Thyroid enlargement documented
Resting heart rate consistently above 100 bpm
Eye involvement (exophthalmos, lid lag)
Severe muscular weakness
Significant weight loss
Sympathetic nervous system dysfunction
Unable to maintain daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the initial thyroid storm episode thoroughly — hospital records, ICU admission notes, and emergency treatment records are critical to establishing the severity of the event.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions caused by the thyroid storm — cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, osteoporosis, and anxiety disorders are common lasting effects that may each warrant separate ratings.

⚠Not connecting the thyroid storm to service-related stress, medication changes, or untreated hyperthyroidism during military service.

⚠Assuming that stabilized thyroid levels mean no residual damage — organ damage from the thyroid storm persists even after thyroid function is controlled.