Hypothyroidism VA Rating 2026: DC 7903 Criteria

What is hypothyroidism and how does it affect veterans?

Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that controls metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and many other essential functions. When it underperforms, virtually every system in your body slows down.

Veterans with hypothyroidism often experience profound fatigue that goes far beyond normal tiredness. You may find yourself gaining weight despite not changing your eating habits, feeling cold when others are comfortable, experiencing constipation, developing dry skin, and struggling with brain fog that makes concentration difficult. The condition can also contribute to depression, muscle weakness, and joint pain.

Military service can contribute to hypothyroidism through several pathways. Exposure to radiation, environmental toxins, and certain chemicals during service can damage thyroid function. Head and neck injuries from combat or training can affect the thyroid or pituitary gland. Chronic stress during service can also disrupt the hormonal systems that regulate thyroid function. Some veterans develop autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease) that may be triggered or worsened by service-related factors.

VA diagnostic code for hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is rated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7903 per 38 CFR § 4.119, Schedule of Ratings — Endocrine System.

The VA updated the endocrine rating criteria effective December 10, 2017. The old five-level scale (0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%) based on fatigability, constipation, mental sluggishness, and weight gain was replaced. DC 7903 now has two evaluations, and both are temporary. After the temporary period, the VA rates the residual effects of hypothyroidism or its treatment under the appropriate diagnostic codes in other body systems.

If you were rated under the old criteria before December 10, 2017, 38 CFR § 3.951(a) says a readjustment of the rating schedule is not grounds to reduce a rating in effect on the date of the readjustment unless medical evidence shows the disability has actually improved.

Rating criteria for hypothyroidism

30% rating — $552.47/month (temporary)

Criteria: Hypothyroidism without myxedema.

Duration: Note (2) to DC 7903 says this evaluation shall continue for six months after initial diagnosis. Thereafter, the VA rates residuals of the disease or medical treatment under the most appropriate diagnostic code(s) under the appropriate body system (for example, eye, digestive, or mental disorders).

What this looks like: You were recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started treatment, such as daily levothyroxine. For the first six months after diagnosis you receive 30%. After that, your rating depends on whether you have lasting residual effects that meet the criteria of another diagnostic code.

100% rating — $3,938.58/month (temporary)

Criteria: 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)).

Duration: Note (1) to DC 7903 says this evaluation shall continue for six months beyond the date that an examining physician has determined crisis stabilization. Thereafter, the residual effects of hypothyroidism are rated under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate body system(s).

What this looks like: Myxedema is severe, multi-system hypothyroidism. It is rare with modern treatment.

After the temporary rating: residuals

Once the temporary 30% or 100% period ends, the VA evaluates what remains. Examples of residuals that may be rated under other body systems include:

• Mental disorders — depression or cognitive impairment caused by hypothyroidism, rated under the mental disorders schedule
• Digestive — for example, chronic constipation rated under the digestive schedule
• Eye — Note (3) says that if eye involvement such as exophthalmos, corneal ulcer, blurred vision, or diplopia is also present due to thyroid disease, it is separately evaluated under the eye schedule (38 CFR § 4.79)
• Cardiovascular — heart problems caused by hypothyroidism, rated under the cardiovascular schedule

If your hypothyroidism is controlled and leaves no ratable residuals, the condition stays service-connected, but the rating may be noncompensable.

What evidence do you need?

Service records

• Service treatment records showing thyroid-related symptoms, blood work, or thyroid complaints
• Records of exposure to radiation, environmental toxins, or chemicals that affect thyroid function
• Documentation of head or neck injuries that may have affected the thyroid or pituitary gland
• Records showing onset of symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, or cold intolerance during service

Medical evidence

• Thyroid function blood tests (TSH, Free T4, Free T3) showing abnormal levels and the need for treatment
• Prescription records for thyroid replacement medication (levothyroxine, liothyronine, etc.)
• Documentation of symptom progression over time despite treatment
• Records of weight changes, particularly unexplained weight gain
• The date of your initial diagnosis (this starts the six-month 30% period)
• If myxedema occurred: hospital records and the date your physician determined crisis stabilization
• Records of any residual effects in other body systems (mental health, digestive, eye, cardiovascular) so they can be rated under the appropriate codes

Presumptive service connection or nexus evidence

Hypothyroidism is on VA’s Agent Orange presumptive-condition list. If you meet the qualifying service/exposure requirements, the presumption supplies the connection to service; an individualized medical nexus letter is not required. Submit evidence of the diagnosis and qualifying service.

For a direct or secondary claim where a presumption does not apply, medical evidence may be needed to connect your hypothyroidism to service or a service-connected disability. The nexus letter should explain the likely cause — whether direct onset during service, radiation or toxin exposure, physical trauma to the thyroid, or secondary to another service-connected condition.

Buddy statements

Statements from family members or coworkers describing observable symptoms — chronic fatigue, cognitive changes, weight gain, cold intolerance, and how these symptoms have affected your daily functioning and relationships. People close to you often notice the mental sluggishness and personality changes that you may attribute to normal aging.

C&P exam tips for hypothyroidism

What the examiner evaluates

• Confirmation of hypothyroidism diagnosis through lab work
• Current treatment and medication regimen
• Date of initial diagnosis, and whether myxedema has ever been present
• Residual effects of the disease or its treatment in other body systems, such as mental health, digestive, eye, or cardiovascular problems
• Impact on physical and mental functioning
• Connection to military service or other service-connected conditions

How to prepare

1. Bring your lab results. Have copies of your thyroid panel (TSH, Free T4, Free T3) over time, showing both your initial diagnosis and ongoing monitoring results.
2. Document your medication history. Bring records of every thyroid medication and dosage change. Increasing dosages over time supports a worsening condition.
3. Track your symptoms daily. Keep a log of fatigue levels, constipation episodes, brain fog, and cold intolerance for at least a month before the exam. Specific examples are more persuasive than general complaints.
4. Report cognitive and mood symptoms. After the temporary period, mental effects are rated under the mental disorders schedule. Describe difficulty concentrating at work, forgetting tasks, slower thinking, or depression.
5. Document weight changes. Bring records showing weight gain that coincided with your thyroid condition, especially if it persists despite dietary efforts.
6. Mention all related symptoms. Do not assume the examiner will connect the dots. Explicitly report fatigue, constipation, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, muscle weakness, eye problems, and mood changes, so each residual can be considered under the right body system.

Common secondary conditions linked to hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism affects multiple body systems, making secondary condition claims an important part of maximizing your combined rating:

• Depression — Hypothyroidism directly affects brain chemistry and is strongly linked to depression. If your thyroid condition causes or worsens depressive symptoms, this can be claimed as a secondary condition with its own rating.
• Sleep apnea — Hypothyroidism contributes to weight gain and soft tissue changes that increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. The connection between thyroid dysfunction and sleep-disordered breathing is well-documented.
• Weight-related conditions — The metabolic slowdown from hypothyroidism causes weight gain that can lead to or worsen conditions like sleep apnea, joint problems, and cardiovascular issues.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome — Hypothyroidism can cause fluid retention and tissue swelling that compresses the median nerve, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Cardiovascular conditions — Hypothyroidism affects cholesterol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, contributing to cardiovascular disease over time.

How to calculate your monthly payment

Your total VA disability payment depends on your combined rating across all service-connected conditions. If hypothyroidism is part of a broader picture of service-connected disabilities, your combined rating will reflect all conditions together.

Use our VA disability calculator to:

• Calculate your combined rating with multiple conditions
• Understand how VA math combines ratings (30% + 30% does not equal 60%)
• Estimate your monthly payment including dependents

For the full breakdown of payment amounts at every rating level, see our 2026 VA disability pay rates page.

Correction — October 31, 2026: Added the qualifying herbicide-presumptive route and clarified when an individualized nexus letter is not required.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For personalized guidance on your VA disability claim, consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or claims agent. You can find accredited representatives at VA.gov.