Diagnostic Code 7905 · 38 CFR §4.119
Hypoparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands produce too little parathyroid hormone, causing dangerously low calcium levels. Symptoms include muscle cramps, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, seizures, and cardiac rhythm problems. The most common cause in veterans is accidental damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery. It can also result from autoimmune destruction or radiation damage during service.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | The VA assigns 100% for three months after initial diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism. After that three-month period, the VA evaluates chronic residuals under the appropriate diagnostic codes. Residuals may include kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), cataracts, decreased renal function, and congestive heart failure, each rated under their own body system codes. |
Blood tests showing low calcium and low or absent parathyroid hormone confirm the diagnosis. Records of the event that caused the condition (surgery, radiation) establish the origin. Treatment records showing calcium and vitamin D supplementation needs demonstrate ongoing management. Emergency room records for hypocalcemic crises show the severity. After the initial three-month period, documentation of each chronic residual (kidney stones, cataracts, kidney function, heart failure) is essential for separate ratings.
Surgery is the most common cause, but not the only one. Autoimmune destruction, radiation damage, and genetic conditions can also cause it. For veterans, the key causes are accidental damage during thyroid surgery performed during service and radiation exposure to the neck during service.
After the initial three months, the VA rates chronic residuals under their own diagnostic codes. The CFR specifically names kidney stones, cataracts, decreased renal function, and congestive heart failure as residuals to evaluate. Each is rated under the appropriate body system. Filing separate claims for every residual is essential.