Hypothyroidism (DC 7903) | VA Rating Tool

Diagnostic Code7903
CategoryThe Endocrine System
Also Known AsHypothyroidism, thyroid, underactive thyroid, Hashimoto, low thyroid, high cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, cholesterol
📊 What Veterans Actually Get
10%
Most Common Rating
55.0%
of Vets Get This
72.0%
Approval Rate
#27
Most Claimed

Hypothyroidism is most commonly rated at 10% (requiring continuous medication for control). The 30% rating requires fatigue, constipation, and mental sluggishness. Most veterans receive 10%.

Pro Tip: Even at 10%, hypothyroidism opens the door to secondary claims for depression, weight gain leading to sleep apnea, joint pain, and fatigue. The medication requirement alone gets you 10%.
Rating Criteria
Rating Criteria
100% 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))
30% Hypothyroidism without myxedema

Conditions Secondary to This

4 links
Major depressive disorder
9434
Strong

Hypothyroidism directly causes depression through thyroid hormone deficiency affecting brain neurotransmitter function.

Degenerative arthritis, other than post-traumatic
5003
Moderate

Hypothyroidism contributes to joint pain and arthritis through metabolic changes, fluid retention, and reduced tissue repair.

Hypertensive vascular disease
7101
Moderate

Untreated or poorly controlled hypothyroidism can cause elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular changes.

Sleep Apnea Syndromes
6847
Moderate

Hypothyroidism causes weight gain and tissue swelling that narrows the upper airway, contributing to obstructive sleep apnea.

This May Be Secondary To

4 links
Anorexia nervosa
DC 9520
Strong

Anorexia nervosa commonly causes hypothyroidism through caloric restriction and metabolic adaptation.

Uterus and both ovaries, removal
DC 7617
Strong

Bilateral oophorectomy eliminates primary estrogen production, frequently leading to hypothyroidism and metabolic changes.

Uterus, removal
DC 7618
Strong

Surgical menopause from hysterectomy (especially with oophorectomy) commonly causes hypothyroidism and other hormonal dysregulation.

Hodgkin's lymphoma
DC 7709
Moderate

Radiation treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma frequently damages the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism.

Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.