EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
← All Condition GuidesCLAIM RECON INTEL
Hypothyroidism VA Disability Rating
DC 7903 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.119 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.I
OVERVIEW
Hypothyroidism is rated under DC 7903 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.119. Veterans may develop hypothyroidism from radiation exposure during service, as secondary to Graves' disease treatment, secondary to Hashimoto's from autoimmune conditions, or from medications (lithium, amiodarone) used to treat service-connected conditions. The rating is 30% without myxedema, 100% with myxedema.
RATING CRITERIA (2 LEVELS)
100% — Hypothyroidism with myxedema
Myxedema: cold intolerance, muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement (hypotension, bradycardia, pericardial effusion), and mental disturbance (dementia, slowing of thought, depression). Continues 6 months beyond crisis stabilization, then rate residuals.
30% — Hypothyroidism without myxedema
Hypothyroidism without myxedematous crisis. Includes typical symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, cognitive slowing. Note: 30% continues for 6 months after initial diagnosis, then rate residuals.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-TSH, free T4, free T3 results confirming hypothyroidism
-Thyroid antibody testing (anti-TPO) if Hashimoto's suspected
-Medication history (levothyroxine dosage)
-Service records documenting radiation or trigger exposure
-Records linking hypothyroidism to service-connected conditions or treatments
-Documentation of symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, cognitive changes
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (4 MAPPED)
DC 9434
Hypothyroidism directly causes depressive symptoms — recognized medical cause of secondary depression.
DC 6847
Hypothyroidism causes weight gain and soft tissue myxedema contributing to obstructive sleep apnea.
DC 8515
Hypothyroidism causes fluid retention and myxedematous infiltration compressing the median nerve.
DC 7005
Hypothyroidism causes hypercholesterolemia and accelerates cardiovascular disease.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.The 30% rating applies for 6 months after initial diagnosis, then residuals must be re-evaluated.
2.Even well-controlled hypothyroidism has residuals (depression, fatigue, cognitive changes) separately ratable.
3.Hypothyroidism secondary to Graves' disease treatment (RAI or thyroidectomy) has strong nexus.
4.Hypothyroidism caused by lithium used to treat service-connected PTSD/depression is ratable as secondary.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.119, DC 7903 Notes
30% evaluation continues for 6 months after initial diagnosis. Thereafter, residuals of disease or treatment rated under appropriate diagnostic codes. VA cannot reduce without proper examination.
DOLLAR IMPACT
30%: $524.31/mo. Secondary conditions (depression, sleep apnea) commonly push combined ratings to 50-70%+. Hypothyroidism secondary to psychiatric medication is a strong nexus pathway.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026