Body system: Endocrine SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.119
Addison's disease happens when your adrenal glands (small glands above your kidneys) don't produce enough cortisol and other essential hormones your body needs to function. The VA rates this condition based on how many 'crises' (life-threatening episodes requiring emergency care) and 'episodes' (serious flare-ups that don't require hospitalization) you have per year. Ratings range from 20% for controlled cases requiring medication up to 60% for veterans having four or more medical emergencies annually.
Rating levels
- 60% — You qualify for this rating if you've had four or more Addisonian crises (severe, life-threatening episodes where your body doesn't produce enough cortisol hormone) within the past 12 months. These crises typically involve symptoms like severe weakness, vomiting, low blood pressure, confusion, and require immediate emergency medical treatment to prevent shock or coma.
- 40% — To qualify for this rating, you must have experienced either three Addisonian crises (severe, life-threatening episodes where your body doesn't produce enough cortisol, requiring emergency medical treatment) in the past year, or five or more less severe episodes of adrenal insufficiency symptoms during the past year. These episodes typically involve severe weakness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and potentially dangerous drops in blood sugar that significantly impact your daily functioning.
- 20% — You qualify for this rating if you've had one or two serious episodes (crises) where your Addison's disease caused severe symptoms like very low blood pressure or dangerous electrolyte imbalances requiring emergency care in the past year. You also qualify if you've had two to four less severe flare-ups during the past year, or if you experience ongoing weakness and exhaustion that interferes with your daily activities. Additionally, needing to take corticosteroid medications (like prednisone or hydrocortisone) to keep your condition under control qualifies you for this rating.