CLAIM RECON INTEL

Growth Hormone Deficiency

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Growth Hormone Deficiency?

Growth Hormone Deficiency (DC 7999) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7999 (no specific § 4.119 code — rated by analogy to hypopituitarism). No dedicated diagnostic code under § 4.119. Adult growth hormone deficiency (most often a residual of pituitary disease, surgery, radiation, or trauma) is rated by analogy under § 4.119 (DC 7999); the resulting symptomatic dysfunction is rated separately under the applicable code: fatigue/asthenia, reduced exercise tolerance, body-composition changes, reduced bone density or pathologic fracture (§ 4.71a), mood disturbance (§ 4.130), or other functional consequences. Where GHD is one component of broader hypopituitarism, each affected hormone axis is evaluated separately.

Q: What rates 0% for Growth Hormone Deficiency under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7999 (no specific § 4.119 code — rated by analogy to hypopituitarism)?

Under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7999 (no specific § 4.119 code — rated by analogy to hypopituitarism) (DC 7999), a 0% rating for Growth Hormone Deficiency requires: No dedicated diagnostic code under § 4.119. Adult growth hormone deficiency (most often a residual of pituitary disease, surgery, radiation, or trauma) is rated by analogy under § 4.119 (DC 7999); the resulting symptomatic dysfunction is rated separately under the applicable code: fatigue/asthenia, reduced exercise tolerance, body-composition changes, reduced bone density or pathologic fracture (§ 4.71a), mood disturbance (§ 4.130), or other functional consequences. Where GHD is one component of broader hypopituitarism, each affected hormone axis is evaluated separately.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Growth Hormone Deficiency VA claim?

Key evidence for a Growth Hormone Deficiency claim includes: Recent lab results documenting the endocrine abnormality (for example, blood glucose/A1c, calcium, or hormone levels); Endocrinology records showing insulin/medication regimen, restricted diet, and any regulation of activities (diabetes); A dated log of crises and episodes, with ER/hospital records (for example, Addison's disease, diabetic ketoacidosis/hypoglycemia); Documentation of any separately compensable complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney involvement); Confirmation that continuous medication is required for control. All evidence should document both the condition and its impact on daily functioning.

DC 799938 C.F.R. § 4.119

Diagnostic Code

DC 7999

38 C.F.R. § 4.119

Rating Range

0–0%

1 severity tier

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Growth Hormone Deficiency is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7999 of 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7999 (no specific § 4.119 code — rated by analogy to hypopituitarism) across 1 severity tier (0%). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303.

Educational tool only. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.

Overview

Insufficient production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. In adults, causes increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, reduced bone density, fatigue, and impaired quality of life. Can result from TBI, pituitary surgery, or radiation.

Rating Criteria

No dedicated diagnostic code under § 4.119. Adult growth hormone deficiency (most often a residual of pituitary disease, surgery, radiation, or trauma) is rated by analogy under § 4.119 (DC 7999); the resulting symptomatic dysfunction is rated separately under the applicable code: fatigue/asthenia, reduced exercise tolerance, body-composition changes, reduced bone density or pathologic fracture (§ 4.71a), mood disturbance (§ 4.130), or other functional consequences. Where GHD is one component of broader hypopituitarism, each affected hormone axis is evaluated separately.

Key Evidence

—Recent lab results documenting the endocrine abnormality (for example, blood glucose/A1c, calcium, or hormone levels)

—Endocrinology records showing insulin/medication regimen, restricted diet, and any regulation of activities (diabetes)

—A dated log of crises and episodes, with ER/hospital records (for example, Addison's disease, diabetic ketoacidosis/hypoglycemia)

—Documentation of any separately compensable complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, kidney involvement)

—Confirmation that continuous medication is required for control

—Complete list of prescribed endocrine medications and their side effects

C&P Exam Tips

1Endocrine ratings turn on objective findings - lab values, documented crises or episodes, and whether continuous medication is required (38 CFR 4.119). Bring your recent lab results.

2For diabetes mellitus (DC 7913), the rating builds on insulin injections, a restricted diet, and regulation of activities, then on episodes of ketoacidosis/hypoglycemia requiring hospitalizations or provider visits - document each one.

3Compensable complications of diabetes (such as neuropathy, retinopathy, or kidney involvement) are rated separately unless used to support a 100% evaluation - claim each complication.

4For adrenal conditions like Addison's disease, the rating counts crises and episodes per year (38 CFR 4.119) - keep a dated log; note that a crisis and an episode are defined differently.

5If your condition is controlled only by continuous medication, make sure that requirement is clearly stated on the exam record.

6Report your worst days, list all medications and side effects, and describe the effect on work and daily activity.

Tools

Rating Calculator →Secondaries Explorer →C&P Exam Prep →PACT Act Scanner →2026 Rates →

Sources & Editorial

Rating criteria reference 38 C.F.R. Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities). This entry has not yet undergone editorial review against the live regulation text — consult the authoritative source directly before relying on the criteria shown.

View 38 C.F.R. Part 4 on eCFR →Editorial Standards →Suggest a correction →

EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026

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