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Cushing's Syndrome VA Disability Rating
DC 7907 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.119 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.I
OVERVIEW
Cushing's Syndrome is rated under DC 7907 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.119. Initial ratings continue for 6 months following initial diagnosis, then rated on residuals under appropriate diagnostic codes. Cushing's in veterans may be caused by prolonged corticosteroid use for service-connected conditions, creating a secondary service connection nexus.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
100% — Active progressive disease with severe muscle wasting
Active progressive Cushing's including osteoporosis, hypertension, and proximal upper and lower extremity muscle wasting resulting in inability to rise from squatting position, climb stairs, rise from a deep chair without assistance, or raise arms.
60% — Proximal muscle wasting with functional limitation
Proximal upper or lower extremity muscle wasting resulting in inability to rise from squatting position, climb stairs, rise from deep chair without assistance, or raise arms.
30% — Classic features without severe muscle involvement
With striae, obesity, moon face, glucose intolerance, and vascular fragility. All ratings continue 6 months following diagnosis, then rate residuals.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-24-hour urinary free cortisol or late-night salivary cortisol tests
-Dexamethasone suppression test results
-MRI of pituitary or CT of adrenals
-Physical findings: striae, moon face, central obesity, muscle weakness
-Functional limitations: inability to rise from chair, climb stairs, raise arms
-Records linking Cushing's to long-term corticosteroid use for service-connected conditions
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (4 MAPPED)
DC 5013
Cushing's causes severe osteoporosis and pathological fractures.
DC 7101
Cortisol excess causes hypertension.
DC 7913
Glucose intolerance progresses to diabetes in Cushing's.
DC 9434
Cortisol excess causes severe neuropsychiatric manifestations.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.The 30-100% ratings continue for 6 months after diagnosis — file immediately.
2.Residuals after 6 months (osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, psychiatric) rated separately often add up higher than the initial rating.
3.Cushing's secondary to prednisone for a service-connected condition has strong nexus.
4.Document functional limitations specifically: can you rise from a chair, climb stairs, raise arms above your head?
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.119, DC 7907 Note
Evaluations continue for 6 months following initial diagnosis. After 6 months, rate on residuals under appropriate diagnostic codes.
DOLLAR IMPACT
Initial 30-100% for 6 months. Residuals (osteoporosis + hypertension + diabetes + depression) typically 50-70%+ combined.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026