Diagnostic Code 7908 · 38 CFR §4.119
Acromegaly is caused by excessive growth hormone production, usually from a pituitary tumor. It causes gradual enlargement of hands, feet, and facial features, along with joint pain, headaches, vision problems, diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. The changes develop slowly, so many veterans are not diagnosed for years after symptoms begin. While rare, the condition has wide-ranging effects on multiple body systems and can significantly reduce quality of life.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Evidence of increased intracranial pressure (such as visual field defect), arthropathy, glucose intolerance, and either hypertension or cardiomegaly. All four elements must be present: intracranial pressure signs, joint disease, glucose intolerance, and cardiovascular involvement. |
| 60% | Arthropathy, glucose intolerance, and hypertension. These three clinical findings must be documented together. |
| 30% | Enlargement of acral parts (hands, feet, facial features) or overgrowth of long bones. This is the entry-level rating based on the characteristic physical changes of acromegaly. |
Blood tests showing elevated growth hormone and IGF-1 levels confirm the diagnosis. Pituitary MRI showing the tumor documents the cause. For the 100% rating, you need documentation of increased intracranial pressure (visual field testing showing defects), arthropathy (joint disease on exam or imaging), glucose intolerance (blood sugar testing), and hypertension or cardiomegaly (blood pressure records or cardiac imaging). Photographs over time showing physical changes demonstrate the progression.
Comparing photographs from before, during, and after service can show the progression of physical changes. Military ID photos, promotion photos, and unit photos serve as documented evidence of when changes began. Combining these with medical records showing when symptoms first appeared builds the timeline.
For 30%: enlargement of hands, feet, or facial features, or overgrowth of long bones. For 60%: arthropathy (joint disease), glucose intolerance, and hypertension. For 100%: evidence of increased intracranial pressure (like visual field defects), plus arthropathy, glucose intolerance, and either hypertension or cardiomegaly.