CLAIM RECON INTEL

Thyroid Nodules

Q: What are the VA rating percentages for Thyroid Nodules?

Thyroid Nodules (DC 7902) is rated at 0% under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7902. Evaluate symptoms due to pressure on adjacent organs (such as the trachea, larynx, or esophagus) under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate body system. If disfigurement of the neck is present due to thyroid disease or enlargement, separately evaluate under DC 7800 (scar(s)/disfigurement of the head, face, or neck). DC 7902 itself carries no numeric rating tier; a nontoxic goiter that becomes toxic is evaluated under DC 7900 (hyperthyroidism), and one causing hypothyroidism is evaluated under DC 7903.

Q: What rates 0% for Thyroid Nodules under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7902?

Under 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7902 (DC 7902), a 0% rating for Thyroid Nodules requires: Evaluate symptoms due to pressure on adjacent organs (such as the trachea, larynx, or esophagus) under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate body system. If disfigurement of the neck is present due to thyroid disease or enlargement, separately evaluate under DC 7800 (scar(s)/disfigurement of the head, face, or neck). DC 7902 itself carries no numeric rating tier; a nontoxic goiter that becomes toxic is evaluated under DC 7900 (hyperthyroidism), and one causing hypothyroidism is evaluated under DC 7903.

Q: What evidence do I need for a Thyroid Nodules VA claim?

Key evidence for a Thyroid Nodules 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 790238 C.F.R. § 4.119

Diagnostic Code

DC 7902

38 C.F.R. § 4.119

Rating Range

0–0%

1 severity tier

Source

Referenced

38 C.F.R. Part 4

Thyroid Nodules is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7902 of 38 CFR § 4.119, DC 7902 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

Abnormal growths or lumps in the thyroid gland. Most are benign but require monitoring. May cause hyperthyroidism if they produce excess thyroid hormone (toxic nodules).

Rating Criteria

Evaluate symptoms due to pressure on adjacent organs (such as the trachea, larynx, or esophagus) under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate body system. If disfigurement of the neck is present due to thyroid disease or enlargement, separately evaluate under DC 7800 (scar(s)/disfigurement of the head, face, or neck). DC 7902 itself carries no numeric rating tier; a nontoxic goiter that becomes toxic is evaluated under DC 7900 (hyperthyroidism), and one causing hypothyroidism is evaluated under DC 7903.

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.

More in Endocrine

Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1)Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism / Graves' Disease Thyroid Cancer Addison's Disease Cushing's Syndrome Obesity (Secondary)Metabolic Syndrome All conditions →

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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