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Hypothyroidism
Diagnostic code 7903 · Endocrine system · 38 CFR 4.119
Rating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.119. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7903 Hypothyroidism: | |
| Hypothyroidism manifesting as myxedema (cold intolerance, muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement (including, but not limited to hypotension, bradycardia, and pericardial effusion), and mental disturbance (including, but not limited to dementia, slowing of thought and depression)) | 100 |
| Note (1): This evaluation shall continue for six months beyond the date that an examining physician has determined crisis stabilization. Thereafter, the residual effects of hypothyroidism shall be rated under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate body system(s) (e.g., eye, digestive, and mental disorders). | |
| Hypothyroidism without myxedema | 30 |
| Note (2): This evaluation shall continue for six months after initial diagnosis. Thereafter, rate residuals of disease or medical treatment under the most appropriate diagnostic code(s) under the appropriate body system (e.g., eye, digestive, mental disorders). | |
| Note (3): If eye involvement, such as exophthalmos, corneal ulcer, blurred vision, or diplopia, is also present due to thyroid disease, also separately evaluate under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) in § 4.79, Schedule of Ratings—Eye (such as diplopia (DC 6090) or impairment of central visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066)). |
Where else the regulation mentions this code
These lines appear under other codes or headings in the schedule and name this code.
Note: Manifesting as hyperthyroidism, evaluate as hyperthyroidism, including, but not limited to, Graves' disease (DC 7900); manifesting as hypothyroidism, evaluate as hypothyroidism (DC 7903).
If antineoplastic therapy is required, evaluate as a malignant neoplasm under DC 7914. If a prophylactic thyroidectomy is performed (based upon genetic testing) and antineoplastic therapy is not required, evaluate as hypothyroidism under DC 7903.
Under diagnostic code 7919 (C-cell hyperplasia of the thyroid)
Related codes in the regulation
- 6090 Diplopia (double vision)Rated separately
- 6061 Anatomical loss of both eyesRated separately
- 6062 No more than light perception in both eyesRated separately
- 6063 Anatomical loss of one eyeRated separately
- 6064 No more than light perception in one eyeRated separately
- 6065 Vision in one eye 5/200 (1.5/60)Rated separately
- 6066 Visual acuity in one eye 10/200 (3/60) or betterRated separately
- 7906 ThyroiditisMentioned together
- 7919 C-cell hyperplasia of the thyroidMentioned together
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.119, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Criterion August 13, 1981; evaluation June 9, 1996; evaluation December 10, 2017; criterion December 10, 2017; note December 10, 2017.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
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