Hypothyroidism DC 7903
VA rates it under diagnostic code 7903 in 38 CFR 4.119. Body system: Other.
Also searched as: underactive thyroid, Hashimoto's.
How VA rates it
The schedule has no fixed list of levels for this code, so any level from 0% to 100% can apply.
Rated by its effects under other codes, so any level can apply.
Source: 38 CFR 4.119 on eCFR. Read the full criteria there before you file.
Rating levels and criteria
| Rating | What the schedule says |
|---|---|
| 100% | Hypothyroidism manifesting as myxedema (cold intolerance, muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement (including, but not limited to hypotension, bradycardia, and pericardial effusion), and mental disturbance (including, but not limited to dementia, slowing of thought and depression)) |
| 30% | Hypothyroidism without myxedema |
Criteria text from 38 CFR 4.119, eCFR as of November 10, 2026. The eCFR is the official source if anything here differs.
Notes in the schedule (3)
Note (1): This evaluation shall continue for six months beyond the date that an examining physician has determined crisis stabilization. Thereafter, the residual effects of hypothyroidism shall be rated under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate body system(s) (e.g., eye, digestive, and mental disorders).
Note (2): This evaluation shall continue for six months after initial diagnosis. Thereafter, rate residuals of disease or medical treatment under the most appropriate diagnostic code(s) under the appropriate body system (e.g., eye, digestive, mental disorders).
Note (3): If eye involvement, such as exophthalmos, corneal ulcer, blurred vision, or diplopia, is also present due to thyroid disease, also separately evaluate under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) in § 4.79, Schedule of Ratings—Eye (such as diplopia (DC 6090) or impairment of central visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066)).
Commonly claimed as secondary to
If one of these is already service connected, you may be able to claim this condition as secondary to it.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) DC 8045 Established link
Low thyroid caused by pituitary damage is one of the hormone deficiencies VA's TBI rule covers if it starts within 12 months of a moderate or severe TBI.
What to gather: Thyroid and pituitary hormone tests showing central hypothyroidism, its start date, and records of the TBI severity.
Sources: 38 CFR 3.310(d) (conditions VA holds to be caused by TBI); 38 CFR 4.119
Presumptive rules that include it
If your service matches one of these, VA presumes the link to service and you do not need a medical opinion connecting it.
Agent Orange and herbicides
Covered: Hypothyroidism.
Who qualifies: Any length of service in Vietnam, on its inland waterways, or within 12 nautical miles offshore (January 9, 1962 to May 7, 1975); at a U.S. or Royal Thai base in Thailand (January 9, 1962 to June 30, 1976); in Laos (December 1, 1965 to September 30, 1969); at Mimot or Krek, Cambodia (April 16 to 30, 1969); on Guam or American Samoa or their waters (January 9, 1962 to July 31, 1980); on Johnston Atoll or a ship that called there (January 1, 1972 to September 30, 1977); in or near the Korean DMZ (September 1, 1967 to August 31, 1971); with regular duty on C-123 aircraft that carried Agent Orange; or handling, testing, or storing Agent Orange.
38 CFR 3.307(a)(6) and 3.309(e). Sources: 38 CFR 3.307; 38 CFR 3.309; VA.gov: Agent Orange exposure and disability compensation; VA.gov: The PACT Act and your VA benefits
Related medications
Medications that can cause or worsen it
If you take one of these for a service-connected condition, this condition may be claimable as secondary to that condition. You need a diagnosis, your prescription records, and a medical opinion.
Amiodarone (Pacerone, Nexterone) Established link
Amiodarone contains iodine and its label warns about an underactive thyroid.
Sources: FDA label: Amiodarone (DailyMed)
Lithium (Lithobid) Established link
Lithium can slow the thyroid, and hypothyroidism is a labeled side effect.
Sources: FDA label: Lithium (DailyMed); Lithium side effects and toxicity: prevalence and management (PubMed)
Medications prescribed for it
A prescription shows the condition was diagnosed. It still needs its own link to service.
- Thyroid hormones (for example levothyroxine, liothyronine, thyroid (desiccated)). FDA labels: Levothyroxine (DailyMed)
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Rating schedule data as of November 10, 2026. Secondary and presumptive links checked November 13, 2026.
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