Thyrotoxic Crisis Residuals

DC 7900Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7900

Lasting health effects after a thyroid storm (thyrotoxic crisis), which is a life-threatening episode of severely elevated thyroid hormones. This can damage the heart, brain, and other organs. The VA rates residuals based on how your thyroid functions now, what treatment you need, and whether you have lasting heart or other organ damage.

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 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

You have severe residuals from thyrotoxic crisis with thyroid enlargement, rapid and irregular heartbeat, increased pulse pressure, loss of weight, muscular weakness, eye involvement (exophthalmos), emotional instability, or inability to care for yourself.

What the VA looks for

Thyroid enlargement documented
Severe tachycardia above 100 bpm
Eye involvement (exophthalmos, diplopia)
Severe muscular weakness and weight loss
Inability to perform routine daily activities
Multi-organ system involvement documented
Frequent medical monitoring and hospitalization

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the original thyrotoxic crisis thoroughly — hospital records from the crisis event are critical evidence. If the crisis happened during service, obtain all emergency and ICU records.
⚠Not claiming cardiac damage separately — thyroid storm can permanently damage the heart. If you have arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, or heart failure as a residual, these may warrant separate ratings.
⚠Assuming your condition is "cured" after treatment — even after thyroid removal or radioactive iodine ablation, residual effects on the heart, nervous system, and other organs persist. Document all ongoing symptoms.
⚠Not getting ophthalmology evaluation — thyrotoxicosis can cause eye problems (Graves ophthalmopathy) that may warrant a separate rating. Get an eye exam documenting any proptosis, double vision, or eye irritation.
⚠Not connecting post-crisis hypothyroidism — many patients develop hypothyroidism after treatment for thyrotoxicosis. This is a separate ratable condition.

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…

Thyrotoxic Crisis Residuals

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
Severe tachycardia above 100 bpm
Eye involvement (exophthalmos, diplopia)
Severe muscular weakness and weight loss
Inability to perform routine daily activities
Multi-organ system involvement documented
Frequent medical monitoring and hospitalization

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the original thyrotoxic crisis thoroughly — hospital records from the crisis event are critical evidence. If the crisis happened during service, obtain all emergency and ICU records.

⚠Not claiming cardiac damage separately — thyroid storm can permanently damage the heart. If you have arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, or heart failure as a residual, these may warrant separate ratings.

⚠Assuming your condition is "cured" after treatment — even after thyroid removal or radioactive iodine ablation, residual effects on the heart, nervous system, and other organs persist. Document all ongoing symptoms.

⚠Not getting ophthalmology evaluation — thyrotoxicosis can cause eye problems (Graves ophthalmopathy) that may warrant a separate rating. Get an eye exam documenting any proptosis, double vision, or eye irritation.

⚠Not connecting post-crisis hypothyroidism — many patients develop hypothyroidism after treatment for thyrotoxicosis. This is a separate ratable condition.