Hypothyroidism (DC 7903)

Hypothyroidism is rated on the specific cluster of symptoms present, fatigue and medication alone at the low end, progressing through weight gain and muscular weakness, up to severe multi-system involvement at the top tier.

Common Filing Mistake

A stable lab value (TSH) on medication doesn't rule out a higher rating, what matters is your actual documented symptoms and functional impact, not just that your levels are "controlled." Many veterans undersell this claim because fatigue and mental sluggishness are easy to leave undocumented at a C&P exam, describe your typical day and worst symptoms specifically, not just your diagnosis.

Diagnostic Codes

DC 7903Hypothyroidism

Rating Criteria

Rating	Criteria
100%	Cold intolerance, muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement, mental disturbance (dementia, slowing of thought, depression), bradycardia (less than 60 beats per minute), and sleepiness
60%	Muscular weakness, mental disturbance, and weight gain
30%	Fatigability, constipation, and mental sluggishness
10%	Fatigability, or continuous medication required for control

Special Rules

Hypothyroidism was added to the Agent Orange presumptive list in January 2022, see the Presumptive Conditions article in the Knowledge Base.
This diagnostic code's criteria were amended effective December 2017, if you were rated before that date, both the prior and current criteria may be worth comparing.

Sourced from 38 CFR §§ 4.71a / 4.130. This is a reference aid, not a rating decision, your actual rating depends on the medical evidence in your specific case and your C&P exam findings. Rules can be amended, verify current text at eCFR.gov or with an accredited VSO before relying on this for a specific claim.