Cushing's syndrome
The VA rates Cushing's syndrome under Diagnostic Code 7907 across 3 severity levels, from 30% to 100%. The applicable level depends on the full criteria and the evidence for the condition. These percentages are alternatives, not amounts to add together.
Rating schedule — DC 7907 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 30%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.119
- Body system
- Endocrine System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
30%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Cushing's syndrome?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | With striae, obesity, moon face, glucose intolerance, and vascular fragility |
| 60% | Proximal upper or lower extremity muscle wasting that results in inability to rise from squatting position, climb stairs, rise from a deep chair without assistance, or raise arms |
| 100% | As active, progressive disease, including areas of osteoporosis, hypertension, and proximal upper and lower extremity muscle wasting that results in inability to rise from squatting position, climb stairs, rise from a deep chair without assistance, or raise arms |
“Proximal upper or lower extremity muscle wasting that results in inability to rise from squatting position, climb stairs, rise from a deep chair without assistance, or raise arms”
What other endocrine conditions does the VA rate?
These diagnostic codes sit next to Cushing's syndrome in 38 CFR Part 4. The rating schedule is ordered anatomically, so neighbouring codes usually cover the same joint, organ, or system, and a claim often involves more than one of them.
- 7902Thyroid enlargement, nontoxicRated up to 0%
- 7903HypothyroidismRated up to 100%
- 7904HyperparathyroidismRated up to 100%
- 7905HypoparathyroidismRated up to 100%
- 7906ThyroiditisRated up to 0%
- 7908AcromegalyRated up to 100%
- 7909Diabetes insipidusRated up to 30%
- 7911Addison's disease (adrenocortical insufficiency)Rated up to 60%
- 7913Diabetes mellitusRated up to 100%
- 7914Neoplasm, malignant, any specified part of the endocrine systemRated up to 100%
Common Questions About Cushing's syndrome VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Cushing's syndrome?
The VA rates Cushing's syndrome under Diagnostic Code 7907 at 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 30% rating requires: With striae, obesity, moon face, glucose intolerance, and vascular fragility. The maximum 100% rating requires: As active, progressive disease, including areas of osteoporosis, hypertension, and proximal upper and lower extremity muscle wasting that results in inability to rise from squatting position, climb stairs, rise from a deep chair without assistance, or raise arms.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Cushing's syndrome?
The VA rates Cushing's syndrome under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7907, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.119. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 30% and a 100% rating for Cushing's syndrome?
A 30% rating requires: With striae, obesity, moon face, glucose intolerance, and vascular fragility. A 100% rating requires: As active, progressive disease, including areas of osteoporosis, hypertension, and proximal upper and lower extremity muscle wasting that results in inability to rise from squatting position, climb stairs, rise from a deep chair without assistance, or raise arms. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Cushing's syndrome qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Cushing's syndrome alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Cushing's syndrome?
The key evidence for Cushing's syndrome is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Cushing's syndrome?
The C&P examiner uses a Endocrine System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7907 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
Get a Personalized Rating Analysis
VeteranHQ evaluates your symptoms against the exact 38 CFR criteria, identifies secondary conditions, and shows what evidence you need to support a higher rating.
Discover Your Benefits