Diagnostic Code 7902 · 38 CFR §4.119
Nontoxic thyroid enlargement (simple goiter) is an enlarged thyroid gland that does not produce excess hormones. While the thyroid hormone levels may be normal, the enlarged gland can cause pressure symptoms: difficulty swallowing, a feeling of throat tightness, breathing problems when lying down, and visible neck swelling. Veterans may develop goiter from iodine deficiency during deployments, environmental exposures, or as a secondary effect of other conditions.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| See pathways% | DC 7902 has no native percentage scale. The VA evaluates it through two pathways and uses whichever pays higher: (1) Pressure symptoms on adjacent organs (trachea, esophagus, recurrent laryngeal nerve) rated under the affected body system. (2) Any visible disfigurement of the neck rated separately under DC 7800 (head/face/neck disfigurement). Surgical removal residuals are rated under the appropriate scar code (DC 7800–7805) and any post-thyroidectomy hypothyroidism rated under DC 7903. |
Thyroid ultrasound showing the enlarged gland and its dimensions is important. Thyroid function tests showing normal hormone levels distinguish nontoxic from toxic goiter. Records of pressure symptoms like swallowing studies or airway evaluation demonstrate functional impact. Photographs showing visible neck enlargement document disfigurement for the DC 7800 evaluation. Service records connecting onset to deployment or exposure establish eligibility.
Yes. DC 7902 specifically covers nontoxic (normal hormone level) goiters. The rating is based on the physical effects of the enlargement — pressure on the trachea, larynx, or esophagus — each rated under its own body system code, plus any neck disfigurement rated under DC 7800.
If surgical removal is needed, the surgery and recovery are part of the disability picture. Post-surgical hypothyroidism (very common after thyroidectomy) should be claimed separately under DC 7903. Any surgical complications like voice changes or scarring also warrant separate claims.