Diagnostic Code 7912 · 38 CFR §4.119
Polyglandular syndrome encompasses conditions where multiple endocrine glands malfunction simultaneously. This includes multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes, where tumors develop in two or more endocrine glands, and autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (APS), where the immune system attacks multiple endocrine organs. MEN Type 1 typically involves the parathyroid, pituitary, and pancreas. MEN Type 2 involves the thyroid (medullary cancer), adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma), and parathyroid. APS may involve combinations of Addison disease, Type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, and other autoimmune conditions. These are complex conditions that affect multiple body systems simultaneously.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| See pathways% | DC 7912 has no native percentage scale. The VA rates polyglandular syndrome according to its major manifestations — each affected endocrine gland is evaluated under its specific DC and combined using VA Math (38 CFR 4.25). For example, a veteran with both adrenal insufficiency (DC 7911) and hypothyroidism (DC 7903) gets each rated separately and combined. Diabetes mellitus (DC 7913) if present is also separately rated. |
Comprehensive endocrine testing of all potentially affected glands is essential. For MEN syndromes, genetic testing (RET proto-oncogene for MEN2, MEN1 gene for MEN1) confirms the diagnosis. Imaging of affected glands (pituitary MRI, parathyroid imaging, pancreatic imaging, thyroid ultrasound, adrenal CT) identifies tumors. Lab tests for each gland (thyroid function, calcium and PTH, cortisol and ACTH, blood glucose, pituitary hormones) document which systems are involved. Family history documentation supports genetic syndromes.
Each affected gland is rated under its own diagnostic code. If the syndrome causes diabetes (DC 7913), hypothyroidism (DC 7903), and Addison disease (DC 7911), each condition gets its own rating. The combined rating using VA math from all the individual ratings determines your total disability percentage. This approach often results in a substantial combined rating.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes involve tumors growing in multiple endocrine glands — they are genetic conditions. Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (APS) involve the immune system attacking multiple endocrine glands. Both are covered under DC 7912 and both are rated based on their individual manifestations.