Loading condition outcomes…
Loading condition outcomes…
VA rating schedule, diagnostic code 7903
A thyroid disorder is an endocrine (hormone) condition where the thyroid gland in your neck makes too much or too little hormone. To service-connect any condition, the VA generally looks for a current diagnosis, an in-service event or illness, and a medical link ("nexus") tying the two together. The VA rates thyroid conditions under the endocrine section of its rating schedule, 38 CFR 4.119, which assigns a separate diagnostic code to each main type.
The two most common codes are 7900 for hyperthyroidism (too much hormone, including Graves' disease) and 7903 for hypothyroidism (too little hormone). For hyperthyroidism, the VA assigns a 30% rating for the first six months after the initial diagnosis, then rates the leftover residuals or treatment complications under the body system they affect. For hypothyroidism, the VA assigns 30% for the condition without myxedema (and keeps that rating for six months after diagnosis, then rates residuals), or 100% when it shows up as myxedema — a severe form with cold intolerance, muscle weakness, heart problems, and mental changes such as slowed thinking or depression. Related effects like eye, heart, neck-scar, or mental symptoms can be rated separately under their own codes, which is what often drives a higher overall combined evaluation. Thyroid enlargement is rated under codes 7901 (toxic) and 7902 (nontoxic).
Most thyroid disorders do not have a built-in presumptive pathway under Agent Orange, burn pits, Camp Lejeune, or the PACT Act, so a nexus usually still has to be shown. One important exception is radiation: cancer of the thyroid is on the VA's list of diseases that are presumptively service-connected for a "radiation-exposed veteran," as long as the other requirements are met. When a presumption applies, it can ease or remove the burden of proving the nexus yourself.
This is general educational information about how the VA's rules work — it is not legal advice or a VA decision about your individual claim.
Grounded in federal regulations and VA guidance, independently reviewed June 2026. Educational information, not legal advice or a VA determination.
Across 7,969 real Board appeals for Thyroid disorder
A denial is often not the end either — remands (shown below) are sent back for more development and can still end in a grant. These are historical outcomes, not a prediction of your case.
Appeals with representation succeed more often. Find free (VSO) or accredited help →
Among the appeals that were granted or partly granted, the most common ways Thyroid disorder was linked to service:
In appeals where Thyroid disorder was the only condition decided and the Board granted it, the rating most often assigned was:
These appeals involved a recognized exposure — which can mean the link to service is presumed, with no nexus to prove:
The Veteran's residuals of papillary carcinoma, thyroid, status post total thyroidectomy is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's hypothyroidism is granted as service-connected due to the presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.
The appellant is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits, effective September 1, 2020.
The Veteran's hypothyroidism is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, effective from November 24, 2017. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms of fatigue, constipation, and mental sluggishness more nearly approximated those required for a 30 percent disability rating.
The Veteran's hypothyroidism is presumed related to herbicide exposure from service, and this presumption has not been sufficiently rebutted.
The Veteran's hypothyroidism is found to be related to his exposure to Chernobyl fallout during military service, and service connection for this condition is granted.
The Board has granted service connection for thyroid cancer status post thyroidectomy due to exposure to industrial solvents, asbestos, and lead during service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
Jump to the decisions from a specific year.
New decisions are added every week, and older years are actively being backfilled — a year that looks thin or missing here (especially 2011–2017) is a gap in our library, not in the Board’s decisions.
Veterans appealing Thyroid disorder often look at outcomes for these too:
We’ll send the free starter guide now, then a note when notable new Thyroid disorder Board decisions are added. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
We will only use this to send the guide and occasional updates for this condition. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.