Hypothyroidism — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7903)

The VA rates Hypothyroidism under Diagnostic Code 7903 at the following tiers: 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Fatigability, or; continuous medication required for control.. The maximum 100% rating requires: Hypothyroidism manifesting as myxedema (cold intolerance, muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement (including, but not limited to hypotension, bradycardia, and pericardial effusion), and mental disturbance (including, but not limited to dementia, slowing of thought and depression)).

Diagnostic Code 7903 is the VA rating identifier for Hypothyroidism within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7903. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

The highest schedular rating for Hypothyroidism under DC 7903 is 100%. This tier requires: Hypothyroidism manifesting as myxedema (cold intolerance, muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement (including, but not limited to hypotension, bradycardia, and pericardial effusion), and mental disturbance (including, but not limited to dementia, slowing of thought and depression)). Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Hypothyroidism alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

Hypothyroidism is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7903, Diagnostic Code 7903. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Conditions commonly secondary to Hypothyroidism include: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (via Weight Gain), Major Depressive Disorder / Cognitive Dysfunction. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.

Service connection for Hypothyroidism requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.