38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.119
Hypothyroidism
dc-7903-hypothyroidism
Endocrine
Diagnostic code
7903
Why your DC matters: DC 7903 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 7903 — Hypothyroidism — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.119 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (7903) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7903”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 7903 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 7903 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7903 was substantially rewritten effective December 10, 2017. Under the current schedule, there are only TWO compensable tiers: 30% for hypothyroidism without myxedema, and 100% for hypothyroidism manifesting as myxedema. Claims with effective dates BEFORE Dec 10, 2017 may still be rated under the prior 10/30/60/100 schedule. This wave is for the current rule — verify your effective date.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | Hypothyroidism manifesting as myxedema — cold intolerance, muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement (e.g., hypotension, bradycardia, pericardial effusion), AND mental disturbance (e.g., dementia, slowing of thought, depression). Continues for six months beyond crisis stabilization; residuals then rated under body-system codes. | Endocrinologist diagnosis of myxedema or myxedema coma; ER/hospital records; documentation of cold intolerance + muscle weakness + cardiovascular + mental components. |
| 30% | Hypothyroidism without myxedema. Continues for six months after initial diagnosis; residuals then rated under body-system codes. | Confirmed hypothyroidism diagnosis (TSH elevated, free T4 low) + continuous levothyroxine; absence of myxedema findings. |
What Qualifies as 'Hypothyroidism' Under DC 7903?
Lab-confirmed hypothyroidism
Elevated TSH + low free T4. Typically autoimmune (Hashimoto's), post-surgical (thyroidectomy), or post-radioiodine. Confirmed by endocrinology consult and chronic levothyroxine prescription.
Binary rating structure under the post-2017 schedule
Effective December 10, 2017, the rating structure is binary — claims with earlier effective dates may use the prior 10/30/60/100 ladder:
- • 30% — hypothyroidism without myxedema (most cases)
- • 100% — hypothyroidism manifesting as myxedema (all 4 components: cold intolerance + muscle weakness + cardiovascular involvement + mental disturbance)
- • Residuals after 6-month protected window → rated under body-system codes (e.g., depression under DC 9434, chronic fatigue under DC 6354)
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Myxedema — cold intolerance, muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement, and mental disturbance”
All four components must be documented for 100% under the current rule. If your records only show fatigue and weight gain, you stay at 30%. The schedule lists examples of each (bradycardia, pericardial effusion for CV; dementia, slowing of thought, depression for mental).
“Continuous medication required (levothyroxine / Synthroid)”
Under the current rule, the 30% diagnosis tier is automatic with confirmed hypothyroidism — no symptom-checklist required. Continuous med + abnormal labs is the floor. Past the 6-month diagnosis window, residual symptoms (fatigue, weight gain, depression) get rated under their own DCs.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Endocrinology workup
CRITICALTSH, free T4, free T3, anti-TPO antibodies. Diagnostic labs anchor the diagnosis.
Continuous levothyroxine prescription history
CRITICALPharmacy printout showing daily thyroid replacement for years. Establishes chronicity.
Endocrine Conditions DBQ
CRITICALSpecific DBQ for thyroid conditions. Must document presence/absence of myxedema findings.
Residuals workup (post-6-month window)
IMPORTANTAfter the protected 6-month period, residuals (depression, weight gain, fatigue, cognitive issues) are rated under their own DCs. Document each so they can be filed as secondary claims.
Cardiology workup if CV symptoms
IMPORTANTEKG, echo, BP readings. Documents the 'cardiovascular involvement' prong of myxedema for 100% rating.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring lab history showing chronic treatment
TSH labs over multiple years showing the need for ongoing dosing adjustments demonstrate chronicity. Some examiners assume hypothyroidism is 'a pill and done' — labs show otherwise.
Describe specific residual symptoms by body system
Fatigue → consider sleep/mental health secondaries. Cognitive slowing → memory testing. Depression → MDD secondary. Each residual is potentially its own rating.
Don't undersell cardiovascular symptoms if present
Bradycardia, hypotension, palpitations, edema — these are the CV prong of myxedema. Document them if they apply.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Filing under the wrong rule version
Claims with effective dates BEFORE Dec 10, 2017 may still be rated under the prior 10/30/60/100 schedule — which is more granular and sometimes more favorable for moderate cases. Verify with VSO.
Not filing residual symptoms as separate claims after the 6-month window
Under the current rule, post-6-month residuals (fatigue under DC 6354 chronic fatigue syndrome by analogy, depression under 9434, etc.) are rated separately. Don't leave them on the table.
Missing Camp Lejeune / Agent Orange / radiation presumptive paths
Certain thyroid conditions are presumptively service-connected for veterans exposed to ionizing radiation. Camp Lejeune contaminated water (Aug 1953 – Dec 1987) has presumptive endocrine effects under PACT Act. Verify exposure history.
Tactical Plays
⚡ Post-6-month residuals are where the value is now
Under the post-2017 rule, the base hypothyroidism rating caps at 30% (unless myxedema). But residual depression, fatigue, and cognitive issues get rated SEPARATELY under their own DCs after the protected 6-month window. That's where to push.
⚡ Verify your effective date — prior rule may apply
If your claim's effective date is before Dec 10, 2017, the OLD schedule applies — and the old schedule had 60% for muscular weakness/mental disturbance/weight gain, which is unavailable under the new rule. Don't accept a 30% rating if you were grandfathered under the old criteria.
⚡ Camp Lejeune + thyroid disease = potential presumptive
Under the PACT Act and Camp Lejeune Act, certain thyroid conditions in veterans stationed at Lejeune (Aug 1953 – Dec 1987, 30+ days) may qualify for presumptive service connection. File with exposure documentation if applicable.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
Depression (post-6-month residual)
STRONGDC 9434
Hypothyroidism-associated depression is well-documented and frequently persists despite TSH normalization.
Chronic fatigue (post-6-month residual)
MODERATEDC 6354
Persistent fatigue after thyroid replacement, rated by analogy.
Weight gain / obesity-related conditions
SITUATIONALObesity itself isn't a ratable VA disability, but obesity-driven OSA, diabetes, joint pain can be secondary.
Cardiomyopathy / bradycardia (severe cases)
SITUATIONALDC 7020
Severe hypothyroidism can cause cardiomyopathy. If present, rated separately.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Hypothyroidism on continuous levothyroxine, no myxedema.
100% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
Hypothyroidism with myxedema (all 4 components).
30% hypothyroidism + 50% depression (residual) + 10% chronic fatigue
TOTAL
$1,808.45/mo
Combined ~71%, rounds to 70% = $1,808.45/mo alone. Post-6-month residual stacking is where post-2017 hypothyroidism value lives.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
❄️What is Myxedema?
Severe hypothyroidism with multi-system involvement: cold intolerance + muscular weakness + cardiovascular changes (bradycardia, pericardial effusion) + mental changes (dementia, slowed thinking, depression). Required for 100% rating. Rare in well-treated veterans.
🛡️What is the 6-Month Protected Window?
Under the post-2017 rule, the base hypothyroidism rating (30% or 100%) is protected for 6 months after diagnosis or crisis stabilization. After that, residual symptoms are rated under their own body-system DCs.
🎯What's the post-6-month strategy?
Once the protected window ends, residual depression (DC 9434), fatigue (DC 6354), weight gain-related conditions, and cognitive issues can be rated as separate claims. This is where the value is post-2017.
How to File Your Claim
File VA Form 21-526EZ specifying 'hypothyroidism' under DC 7903 (NOT 7919)
DC 7919 is for thyroid C-cell hyperplasia (a cancer). Hypothyroidism is DC 7903. Verify your decision uses the correct code.
Verify the rule version for your effective date
Effective dates BEFORE Dec 10, 2017 may be rated under the OLD 10/30/60/100 schedule (more granular, sometimes more favorable for moderate cases). Verify with a VSO.
Submit endocrine DBQ + lab trend + levothyroxine Rx history
TSH, free T4, anti-TPO antibodies. Pharmacy printout showing daily replacement for years. Endocrine DBQ must address presence/absence of myxedema findings.
AFTER 6-month protected window, file residual claims separately
Depression secondary to hypothyroidism (DC 9434), chronic fatigue (DC 6354), cognitive impairment. Each is its own rating on top of the 30% hypothyroidism base.
Establish exposure history if applicable
Camp Lejeune (Aug 1953 – Dec 1987, 30+ days) and ionizing radiation exposure may qualify hypothyroidism for presumptive service connection under the PACT Act.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
Verify your effective date — old rule may apply
Claims with effective dates pre-Dec 10, 2017 may be rated under the OLD schedule (60% for muscular weakness/mental disturbance/weight gain, unavailable post-2017). Don't accept a 30% rating if you're grandfathered under the old criteria.
Post-6-month residuals are where the value is now
Under the post-2017 rule, the base rating caps at 30% (unless myxedema). But residual depression, fatigue, and cognitive issues get rated SEPARATELY under their own DCs after the protected window. That's where to push.
Camp Lejeune may qualify for presumptive SC
Under the PACT Act, certain thyroid conditions in veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune for 30+ days (Aug 1953 – Dec 1987) may qualify for presumptive service connection. File with exposure documentation.
Wrong DC = wrong rating
Some VA decisions miscode hypothyroidism under DC 7919 (thyroid cancer). If your decision uses 7919, that's an error — request correction. The correct code is DC 7903.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my hypothyroidism only rate at 30%?
Effective Dec 10, 2017, the schedule is binary: 30% for hypothyroidism without myxedema, 100% for myxedema. The prior schedule's 60% tier (muscular weakness + mental disturbance + weight gain) was eliminated. If your effective date is pre-Dec 2017, the old schedule may still apply.
Can I get a higher rating for severe fatigue from hypothyroidism?
Not under DC 7903 itself post-2017, but yes via residual ratings under other DCs. After the 6-month protected window, chronic fatigue can be rated by analogy under DC 6354 (chronic fatigue syndrome) and depression under DC 9434.
Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis rate differently than other hypothyroidism?
No — DC 7903 covers all causes of hypothyroidism the same way. Hashimoto's is the most common cause but doesn't change the rating structure.
What if I had thyroid cancer treatment that caused hypothyroidism?
Thyroid cancer is rated separately under DC 7919 with its own protected window. Once the cancer follow-up ends, residual hypothyroidism rates under DC 7903 — both can apply in sequence, not simultaneously.
Can hypothyroidism be a secondary claim?
Yes — autoimmune thyroid disease can be secondary to other autoimmune conditions, radiation exposure, or certain medications. If your primary condition triggered the hypothyroidism, file as secondary.
Official Regulatory Source
Hypothyroidism is rated under 38 CFR § 4.119, Diagnostic Code 7903.
38 CFR § 4.119 — Endocrine System (eCFR) →Per the Dec 10, 2017 amendment, the rating is binary (30%/100%). Pre-amendment claims may use prior schedule.
⚠️ Verify with a VSO
Tracker entry incorrectly listed DC 7919 — that code is for thyroid C-cell hyperplasia (a thyroid cancer). Hypothyroidism is DC 7903. Per the December 10, 2017 amendment to § 4.119, the rating structure is now binary (30% / 100%) with a 6-month protected period after diagnosis or crisis stabilization. Claims with effective dates prior to that amendment may be rated under the prior 10/30/60/100 schedule — verify version with a VSO.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7903, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 7903 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.