Diagnostic Code 7903: Hypothyroidism Rating Criteria
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.119
- Rating range
- 30% to 100%
- Rating levels
- 2
- Body system
- Endocrine system
The VA rates Hypothyroidism under diagnostic code 7903 in 38 CFR § 4.119. The table below is the full set of rating criteria, from the schedule itself, with the evidence factors raters look for at each level.
DC 7903 rating criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Hypothyroidism without myxedema What raters look forhypothyroidism without myxedema; continues for six months after initial diagnosis |
| 100% | 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)) What raters look formyxedema; cold intolerance and muscular weakness; cardiovascular involvement; mental disturbance |
DC 7903 rating appeals at the Board
The Board of Veterans' Appeals issued 753 rulings on higher ratings, reductions and severance under diagnostic code 7903 from 2021 to 2026. It granted 21.4%, denied 50.1% and sent 28.6% back for more work. One appeal can contain more than one ruling.
Recorded exam issues in remanded DC 7903 rulings
Percentages use all 215 rating rulings under this code the Board remanded, 2021 to 2026. Some rulings have no recorded exam classification, and small categories are not shown, so these rows need not total 100 percent.
- The VA exam or opinion was not adequate86.5%
- VA had not given an exam or opinion5.1%
Method: Claim Raven read each ruling in every Board decision stored for 2021 to 2026 and counted it under this code when the decision named DC 7903 for a rating question. These results cover only rulings with an identified diagnostic code and may not represent rulings where no code was stated. Granted includes partial grants; dismissed and withdrawn rulings are left out. These are outcomes within appeals, not first decisions, and not your personal odds.
Condition guide
The rating criteria are only part of the picture for Hypothyroidism. The Hypothyroidism condition page covers service connection, common evidence problems, secondary conditions, and Board outcome patterns in depth.
What happens to Hypothyroidism appeals at the Board
Claim Raven's analysis of 2,997 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on Hypothyroidism, 2021 to 2026. The Hypothyroidism condition page has the full breakdown, including which evidence types are associated with better outcomes.
Method: each ruling's outcome is read from the order in the Board's published decision and rolled up as granted (including partial grants), denied, or remanded, leaving out dismissals and withdrawals. The data codes the condition the Board ruled on, not the diagnostic code, so these numbers describe Hypothyroidism appeals generally rather than DC 7903 specifically. The DC 7903 section above counts this code's own rating appeals. Board outcomes describe appealed claims, not initial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is VA diagnostic code 7903?
Diagnostic code 7903 is the VA rating schedule entry for Hypothyroidism, found in 38 CFR § 4.119. The VA assigns this code when it rates the condition and applies the criteria listed on this page.
What ratings are possible under DC 7903?
DC 7903 provides ratings of 30%, 100%. The percentage depends on which criteria your medical evidence documents, not on the diagnosis alone.
What does the highest rating under DC 7903 require?
The 100% rating for Hypothyroidism requires: 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)).
How often does the Board grant a higher rating under DC 7903?
In 733 decided Board of Veterans' Appeals rulings on a higher rating under DC 7903 from 2021 to 2026, 20.2% were granted, 50.8% denied and 29.1% sent back for more work. These are appeal outcomes, not your personal odds.
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