EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Addison's Disease VA Disability Rating
DC 7911 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.119 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.I
OVERVIEW
Addison's Disease (adrenocortical insufficiency) is rated under DC 7911 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.119. Rating is based on frequency of Addisonian crises and episodes during the past year. An Addisonian crisis involves rapid peripheral vascular collapse with acute hypotension and shock. Veterans may develop Addison's from service-connected autoimmune conditions, tuberculosis, or certain medications.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
60% — Four or more crises during the past year
Addisonian crisis: rapid onset of peripheral vascular collapse with acute hypotension and shock. Four or more crises during the past year = 60% under DC 7911.
40% — Three crises, or five or more episodes during the past year
Three adrenal crises during the past year; OR five or more episodes (less severe than crisis) during the past year.
20% — 1-2 crises, 2-4 episodes, weakness/fatigue, or required corticosteroid therapy
One or two crises during the past year; OR two to four episodes during the past year; OR weakness and fatigability; OR corticosteroid therapy required for control.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Endocrinologist evaluation confirming Addison's Disease
-Morning cortisol and ACTH stimulation test results
-Serum ACTH, aldosterone, electrolytes (hyponatremia, hyperkalemia)
-Records of emergency department visits for adrenal crises
-Medication records (hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone)
-Documentation of episodes: nausea, vomiting, weakness, hypotension
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (2 MAPPED)
DC 5013
Chronic corticosteroid replacement therapy causes osteoporosis.
DC 9434
Addison's disease causes depression and cognitive changes from cortisol deficiency.
C&P EXAM TIPS (3)
1.Document each adrenal crisis and episode with emergency records — the rating is entirely based on crisis/episode frequency.
2.Even if well-managed with medication, 'corticosteroid therapy required for control' supports the 20% rating.
3.Addison's secondary to service-connected tuberculosis has strong nexus.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.119, DC 7911 (Addison's disease), Notes (1)(2)
An Addisonian crisis consists of rapid onset peripheral vascular collapse with acute hypotension and shock, with findings of hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. An episode is less severe — presenting with nausea, vomiting, dehydration, hypotension, and electrolyte abnormalities. Distinguish crisis from episode in documenting claim.
DOLLAR IMPACT
20% (medication-controlled): $175.03/mo. 40% (3 crises/year): $673.28/mo. 60% (4+ crises): $1,131.68/mo.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026