Diagnostic Code 7900 · 38 CFR §4.119
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, speeding up your metabolism beyond normal levels. The most common cause is Graves disease, an autoimmune condition. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, unintentional weight loss, anxiety, tremor, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and in Graves disease, protruding eyes (exophthalmos). Veterans may develop hyperthyroidism from autoimmune triggers related to service stress, exposure to environmental contaminants, or following thyroid injury from blast exposure or radiation. Treatment often involves anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or thyroid surgery — the latter two frequently result in permanent hypothyroidism that requires lifelong medication.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | The VA assigns a 30% rating for six months after the initial diagnosis of hyperthyroidism (including Graves disease). After that six-month period, the VA rates residuals of the disease or complications of medical treatment under the appropriate diagnostic codes within the appropriate body systems. This means ongoing heart problems would be rated under cardiovascular codes, eye involvement under eye codes, and treatment-induced hypothyroidism under DC 7903. |
Thyroid function labs (TSH, free T4, free T3) showing elevated thyroid hormones are the primary diagnostic evidence. Records of treatment — anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery — document the condition's course. If Graves disease has caused eye involvement, ophthalmology records are needed. Cardiac records showing tachycardia or arrhythmia secondary to hyperthyroidism strengthen the claim. A nexus opinion is needed for secondary claims or if linking the condition to service-related exposures.
Both. The hypothyroidism is a direct result of treating the hyperthyroidism. The initial hyperthyroidism receives 30% for six months. After that, the treatment-induced hypothyroidism is rated under DC 7903, and any other residuals (eye changes, cardiac complications) are each rated under their own codes.
Research suggests that significant physical or psychological stress can trigger autoimmune conditions including Graves disease. If you developed hyperthyroidism during or shortly after a period of intense service-related stress, that temporal connection supports your claim. A nexus opinion from an endocrinologist strengthens it.
The CFR specifically states that eye involvement from Graves disease should be separately evaluated as diplopia (DC 6090), impairment of central visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066), or under the most appropriate eye diagnostic codes. This is a separate rating on top of the hyperthyroidism rating.