VA Disability Rating for Thyroid Disorder

Your thyroid might be tiny, but its impact on your body is massive. This butterfly-shaped gland controls everything from your energy levels and weight to your heart rate and mental clarity.

For veterans dealing with service-connected thyroid problems, getting the right VA disability rating can make a huge difference in accessing the care and support you need.

Recent Changes in VA Thyroid Ratings

Major changes in VA policies have opened new doors for veterans with thyroid conditions. Hypothyroidism is now recognized as a presumptive condition for Agent Orange exposure, and the PACT Act has expanded coverage for veterans exposed to burn pits. These changes mean thousands of veterans previously denied benefits might now qualify.

Veterans who served in these locations may now have an easier path to benefits:

• Vietnam and its territorial waters (including Blue Water Navy veterans)
• Korean DMZ during specific periods
• Areas where Agent Orange was tested or stored
• Locations covered by the PACT Act, including Afghanistan, Djibouti, and other Southwest Asia locations
• Areas where military burn pits were used

How Thyroid Conditions Affect Veterans

Before diving into ratings, it’s important to understand how thyroid problems affect your body. Your thyroid gland releases hormones that:

• Control your metabolism
• Regulate your heart rate
• Maintain your body temperature
• Affect your energy levels
• Influence your weight
• Impact your mental health
• Control muscle strength
• Regulate breathing
• Affect sleep patterns

When this system breaks down, it can cause widespread problems throughout your body.

How VA Rates Different Thyroid Conditions

The VA uses diagnostic codes 7900-7906 to rate thyroid disorders. Each type has specific criteria and rating schedules.

Hypothyroidism (Code 7903)

When your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones:

Initial Rating Period:

• 100% rating if you develop myxedema (life-threatening condition)
• 30% basic rating for first six months
• After six months, VA evaluates remaining problems

Symptoms VA Looks For:

• Fatigue so severe it limits daily activities
• Significant weight gain that’s hard to control
• Depression or mood changes
• Extreme sensitivity to cold
• Muscle weakness that affects movement
• Slowed heart rate requiring monitoring
• Memory problems affecting work
• Hair loss or skin changes
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Sleep problems requiring treatment
• Digestive issues needing medication

VA should consider how these symptoms combine to affect your ability to work and live normally.

Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease (Code 7900)

When your thyroid produces too many hormones:

Rating Structure:

• 30% automatic rating for first six months
• Special considerations for Graves’ Disease eye problems
• Evaluation of each affected body system after initial period

Symptoms VA Must Consider:

• Heart problems including irregular heartbeat
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Uncontrolled weight loss
• Chronic sleep disturbances
• Eye problems including vision changes
• Hand tremors affecting daily tasks
• Excessive sweating and heat intolerance
• Muscle weakness affecting mobility
• Digestive problems requiring treatment
• Mental health impacts
• Need for ongoing medication

Thyroid Cancer (Code 7914)

VA takes thyroid cancer very seriously with specific rating periods:

Treatment Phase:

• 100% rating during active cancer
• Continues through all treatment
• Maintains for six months after treatment ends

Post-Treatment Evaluation:

• Complete review of remaining problems
• Assessment of medication needs
• Evaluation of surgery effects
• Rating of any complications

Common Post-Treatment Issues:

• Need for lifetime hormone replacement
• Surgery scars and neck problems
• Voice changes
• Swallowing difficulties
• Ongoing fatigue
• Weight management issues

Other Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid Enlargement (Codes 7901, 7902):

A thyroid enlargement, also called a goiter, happens when your thyroid gland grows much bigger than normal. This swelling in your neck can press against your throat and cause various problems:

• Ratings based on compression effects
• Breathing problems
• Swallowing difficulties
• Voice changes
• Neck appearance changes
• Pain and discomfort

Toxic Thyroid Enlargement (Code 7901):

This type of enlarged thyroid not only grows larger but also produces too many hormones, essentially causing hyperthyroidism along with the enlargement. VA rates this condition similar to hyperthyroidism, with additional ratings possible for disfigurement of the neck.

Non-Toxic Thyroid Enlargement (Code 7902):

This condition occurs when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged but doesn’t produce extra hormones. VA rates this based on whether the enlarged gland causes problems by pressing on your throat or neck structures.

Thyroiditis (Code 7906):

Thyroiditis happens when your thyroid gland becomes inflamed, often causing pain and swelling in your neck. This inflammation can initially cause your thyroid to release too many hormones (hyperthyroidism) and then swing to producing too few (hypothyroidism). VA rates this condition based on:

• Initial inflammation rating
• Development of other thyroid conditions
• Long-term effects
• Treatment requirements

Service Connection Requirements

To get VA disability benefits for thyroid problems, you need to show one of these connections:

Direct Service Connection:

• Clear diagnosis of a thyroid condition
• Evidence it started during service
• Medical records showing treatment
• Service records showing related problems
• Documentation of symptoms beginning in service

Presumptive Service Connection:

• Proof of service in qualifying locations
• Current thyroid diagnosis
• Medical documentation of condition
• Evidence of exposure to toxins
• Required service dates for presumption

Secondary Service Connection:

• Primary service-connected condition
• Evidence thyroid condition resulted from primary condition
• Medical opinion linking conditions
• Treatment records showing relationship

Evidence You Need to Win Your Claim

Winning a thyroid claim requires specific evidence:

Medical Documentation:

• Complete thyroid function tests
• Treatment records from all providers
• Medication history and effects
• Surgery records if applicable
• Imaging studies
• Lab test results
• Doctor’s opinions about severity

Impact Evidence:

• Detailed symptom journals
• Work performance records
• Daily activity limitations
• Family member statements
• Employer accommodations
• Medical appointments log
• Treatment side effects documentation

Military Records:

• Service treatment records
• Deployment history
• Exposure documentation
• Performance reports showing changes
• Medical board findings
• Separation documents

Did You Get an Unfair Rating Decision?

If VA denied your claim or gave you a low rating, our team at ProVet Legal can help. We focus exclusively on appeals and know how to:

Build Strong Appeals:

• Review all medical evidence
• Identify missing documentation
• Gather supporting statements
• Challenge VA mistakes
• Fight for proper ratings
• Secure maximum benefits

Handle Complex Cases:

• Multiple thyroid conditions
• Combined ratings issues
• Secondary conditions
• Presumptive exposure cases
• Treatment complications

Contact us to review your thyroid rating decision. We only handle appeals, and we only win if you win. Don’t let the VA’s rating system stop you from getting the benefits you deserve for your thyroid condition.