C&P Exam for Hypothyroidism (DC 7903)

Diagnostic code: 7903Condition: HypothyroidismRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.119DBQ: DBQ ENDO Thyroid and Parathyroid

Which form the examiner uses

For hypothyroidism (DC 7903), the C&P examiner completes the following Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ):

DBQ ENDO Thyroid and Parathyroid (public PDF on VA.gov)

DBQs are Department of Veterans Affairs Form 21-0960 series documents. Public DBQs are hosted on benefits.va.gov. A handful are examiner-only and are not posted publicly.

What the examiner records

The fields below are reproduced from the DBQ form the examiner completes for this diagnostic code. This is the structural map of the form, showing what the examiner is asked to measure, observe, and record. It is a factual reproduction of the public DBQ, not advice on how to answer.

This DBQ evaluates thyroid and parathyroid conditions including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism.

DIAGNOSIS (Section I)

1A. List the claimed condition(s) that pertain to this questionnaire:
1B. Select diagnoses associated with the claimed condition(s) (check all that apply): The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis associated with any claimed conditions listed above.
Hyperthyroidism, including, but not limited to, Graves' disease ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
Thyroid enlargement, toxic ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
Thyroid enlargement, non-toxic ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
Hypothyroidism ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
Hyperparathyroidism ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
Hypoparathyroidism ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
Thyroiditis ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
C-cell hyperplasia ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
Benign neoplasm of the thyroid ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
Malignant neoplasm of the thyroid ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
Benign neoplasm of the parathyroid ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
Malignant neoplasm of the parathyroid ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
Other diagnosis #1: ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
Other diagnosis #2: ICD code: Date of diagnosis:
1C. If there are additional diagnoses that pertain to thyroid or parathyroid condition(s) list using above format.

MEDICAL HISTORY (Section II)

2A. Describe the history (including onset and course) of the veteran's thyroid and/or parathyroid condition (brief summary).
2B. Has the Veteran had radioactive iodine treatment for a thyroid condition?
(If "Yes", specify the condition treated with radioactive iodine):
(Date of treatment):
2C. Has the Veteran had any other type of treatment for a thyroid or parathyroid condition?
(If "Yes", specify the condition and type of treatment):
(Date of treatment):
Was a prophylactic thyroidectomy performed (based on genetic testing?)
(If "Yes", specify date of surgery):
2D. Does the Veteran have any residual endocrine dysfunction following treatment for thyroid or parathyroid condition?
(If "Yes", check all that apply): Thyroid endocrine dysfunction
(If "Yes", check all that apply): Parathyroid endocrine dysfunction
(If "Yes", check all that apply): Other (Describe):

THYROID: FINDINGS, SIGNS, AND SYMPTOMS (Section III)

3A. Does the Veteran currently have any findings, signs, or symptoms attributable to thyroid enlargement?
If "Yes", select the type of thyroid enlargement: Toxic / Non-toxic
3B. Does the Veteran currently have a diagnosis of thyroiditis?
If "Yes", is the thyroid function normal?
If "No" (the thyroid function is not normal), select the thyroiditis manifestation: Hypothyroidism / Hyperthyroidism
3C. Does the Veteran currently have any findings, signs, or symptoms attributable to a hypothyroid condition?
Does the Veteran currently have or has the Veteran ever had myxedema (coma or crisis)?
If "Yes", has the myxedema (coma or crisis) stabilized?
If "Yes", provide the date of stabilization as determined by the examining physician:
3D. Does the Veteran currently have any findings, signs, or symptoms attributable to a hyperthyroid condition, including, but not limited to, Graves' disease?
3E. Please select the body system(s) affected by the thyroid diagnoses identified in Section 1B: Musculoskeletal symptoms
3E. Respiratory/ENT symptoms
3E. Cardiovascular symptoms
3E. Gastrointestinal symptoms
3E. Genitourinary symptoms
3E. Reproductive symptoms
3E. Skin symptoms
3E. Eye involvement
3E. Neurological symptoms
3E. Mental and psychological symptoms
3E. Dental and oral conditions
3E. The Veteran does not have current residuals associated with any diagnosed thyroid condition identified above.

PARATHYROID: FINDINGS, SIGNS, AND SYMPTOMS (Section IV)

4A. Does the Veteran currently have any findings, signs, or symptoms attributable to a hyperparathyroid condition?
Is the condition currently asymptomatic?
Is the Veteran an individual who is not a candidate for surgery but requires continuous medication for control of a hyperparathyroid condition?
Has the Veteran undergone surgery for a hyperparathyroid condition?
(If "Yes", specify type of surgery): (Date of surgery): (Date of discharge following surgery):
As a result of hyperparathyroid dysfunction, does the Veteran currently have any of the following symptoms that occur despite surgery? Fatigue
As a result of hyperparathyroid dysfunction, does the Veteran currently have any of the following symptoms that occur despite surgery? Anorexia
As a result of hyperparathyroid dysfunction, does the Veteran currently have any of the following symptoms that occur despite surgery? Nausea
As a result of hyperparathyroid dysfunction, does the Veteran currently have any of the following symptoms that occur despite surgery? Constipation
Does the Veteran now have or did the Veteran ever have hypercalcemia that meets the criteria below? Hypercalcemia (indicated by bone mineral density T-score less than 2.5 SD (below mean) at any site)
Hypercalcemia (indicated by bone mineral density T-score less than 2.5 SD (below mean) at previous fragility fracture)
Hypercalcemia (indicated by creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min)
Hypercalcemia (indicated by ionized Ca greater than 5.6mg/dL (2-2.25 mmol/L))
Hypercalcemia (indicated by total Ca greater than 12 mg/dL (3-3.5 mmol/L)
(If "Yes", did the hypercalcemia require pharmacologic treatment?): Yes / No
(If "Yes", date treatment began):
4B. Does the Veteran currently have any findings, signs, or symptoms attributable to a hypoparathyroid condition?
4C. Please select the body system(s) affected by the parathyroid diagnoses identified in Section 1B: Musculoskeletal symptoms
4C. Respiratory symptoms/ENT
4C. Cardiovascular symptoms
4C. Gastrointestinal symptoms
4C. Genitourinary symptoms
4C. Reproductive symptoms
4C. Skin symptoms
4C. Eye involvement
4C. Neurological symptoms
4C. Mental and psychological symptoms
4C. Dental and oral conditions
4C. The Veteran does not have current residuals associated with any diagnosed parathyroid condition identified above.

PHYSICAL EXAM (Section V)

5A. Eyes: Normal, no exopthalmos / Abnormal (If selected, describe)
5B. Neck: Normal, no palpable thyroid enlargement or nodules
Abnormal, enlarged thyroid nodule (if checked, describe location, size and consistency):
Abnormal, without disfigurement of the head, face, or neck as a result of treatment for, or due to enlargement of the thyroid gland
Abnormal, with disfigurement of the head, face, or neck as a result of treatment for, or due to enlargement of the thyroid gland
Is there abnormal pigmentation or texture or missing underlying soft tissue of the head, face, or neck due to the thyroid enlargement?
Hypopigmentation cm2
Hyperpigmentation cm2
Induration and inflexibility cm2
Abnormal texture cm2
Underlying soft tissue missing cm2
Is there visible or palpable tissue loss and either gross distortion or asymmetry of facial features as a result of treatment for, or due to enlargement of the thyroid gland?
Nose / Chin / Forehead / Cheeks / Lips
Eyes (including eyelids): Tissue loss/distortion of eyelid Side: Right / Left
Tissue loss/distortion of eye Side: Right / Left
Anatomical loss of eye Side: Right / Left
Ears (auricles): Complete loss Side: Right / Left
Loss of one-third or more of the substance Side: Right / Left
Loss of less than one-third of the substance Side: Right / Left
For all checked features, provide brief description of the tissue loss, gross distortion and/or asymmetry of facial features:
5C. Pulse: Regular / Irregular Heart rate:
5D. Blood pressure:

REFLEX EXAM (Section VI)

6A. Reflexes (Rate deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) according to the following scale): All normal
BICEPS Right 0 / 1+ / 2+ / 3+ / 4+
BICEPS Left 0 / 1+ / 2+ / 3+ / 4+
KNEE Right 0 / 1+ / 2+ / 3+ / 4+
KNEE Left 0 / 1+ / 2+ / 3+ / 4+
TRICEPS Right 0 / 1+ / 2+ / 3+ / 4+
TRICEPS Left 0 / 1+ / 2+ / 3+ / 4+
ANKLE Right 0 / 1+ / 2+ / 3+ / 4+
ANKLE Left 0 / 1+ / 2+ / 3+ / 4+
BRACHIORADIALIS Right 0 / 1+ / 2+ / 3+ / 4+
BRACHIORADIALIS Left 0 / 1+ / 2+ / 3+ / 4+

TUMORS AND NEOPLASMS (Section VII)

7A. Does the Veteran currently have, or has had, a benign or malignant neoplasm or metastases related to any condition in the diagnosis section?
7B. Is the neoplasm: Benign / Malignant
If malignant: Active / In remission
If malignant: Primary / Secondary (metastatic) (if secondary, indicate the primary site, if known):
7C. Has the Veteran completed treatment or is the Veteran currently undergoing treatment for a benign or malignant neoplasm or metastases? Yes / No; watchful waiting
Treatment completed
Surgery: If checked, describe: / Date(s) of surgery:
Radiation therapy: Date of most recent treatment: / Date of completion of treatment or anticipated date of completion:
Antineoplastic chemotherapy: Date of most recent treatment: / Date of completion of treatment or anticipated date of completion:
Other therapeutic procedure: If checked, describe procedure: / Date of most recent procedure:
Other therapeutic treatment: If checked, describe treatment: / Date of completion of treatment or anticipated date of completion:
7D. Does the Veteran currently have any residuals or complications due to the neoplasm (including metastases) or its treatment, other than those already documented in the report above?
If "Yes", list residuals or complications (brief summary), and also complete the appropriate questionnaire:
7E. If there are additional benign or malignant neoplasms or metastases related to any of the diagnoses in the diagnosis section, describe using the above format:

OTHER PERTINENT PHYSICAL FINDINGS, COMPLICATIONS, CONDITIONS, SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND SCARS (Section VIII)

8A. Does the Veteran have any other pertinent physical findings, complications, conditions, signs or symptoms related to any conditions listed in the diagnosis section above?
If "Yes", describe (brief summary):
8B. Does the Veteran have any scars or other disfigurement (of the skin) related to any conditions or to the treatment of any conditions listed in the diagnosis section?
8C. Comments:

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING (Section IX)

9A. Have clinically relevant imaging studies or other diagnostic procedures been performed or reviewed in conjunction with this examination?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Date: Results:
Computed tomography (CT) Date: Results:
Thyroid scan Date: Results:
Thyroid ultrasound Date: Results:
Other: Date: Results:
9B. Has clinically relevant laboratory testing been performed or reviewed in conjunction with this examination?
TSH Date: Results:
Free T4 Date: Results:
Free T3 Date: Results:
Thyroid antibodies Date: Results:
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) Date: Results:
Calcium Date: Results:
Ionized calcium Date: Results:
Other: Date: Results:
9C. Has a biopsy been performed?
Site of biopsy / Date of test: / Results:
9D. Are there any other clinically relevant diagnostic test findings or results related to the claimed condition(s) and/or diagnosis(es), that were reviewed in conjunction with this examination?
9E. If any test results are other than normal, indicate relationship of abnormal findings to diagnosed conditions:

FUNCTIONAL IMPACT (Section X)

10A. Regardless of the Veteran's current employment status, do the conditions listed in the diagnosis section impact his/her ability to perform any type of occupational task (such as standing, walking, lifting, sitting, etc.)?
If "Yes", describe the functional impact of each condition, providing one or more examples:

REMARKS (Section XI)

11A. Remarks (if any - please identify the section to which the remark pertains when appropriate).

Rating Levels for DC 7903

The following tiers are reproduced from 38 CFR Part 4, the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. Toggle between the official VA criteria and a Plain English explanation.

Plain-English summaries are AI-generated to explain the official criteria. The official 38 CFR language is the binding legal standard. When in doubt, ask a VSO.

Evidence cited in published BVA decisions for DC 7903

The counts below are aggregated from published Board of Veterans Appeals decisions for this diagnostic code. Each row reports how often a given evidence type was discussed in the decision text, broken down by outcome. This is a factual aggregate of the public record, not a prediction or recommendation about any specific claim.

VA examination: appeared in 44 granted decisions (25 denied, 46 remanded; 115 total)
Private medical opinion: appeared in 18 granted decisions (4 denied, 8 remanded; 30 total)
Buddy / lay statements: appeared in 8 granted decisions (2 denied, 10 remanded; 20 total)
Nexus letter: appeared in 6 granted decisions (0 denied, 0 remanded; 6 total)
Service treatment records: appeared in 4 granted decisions (0 denied, 3 remanded; 7 total)
Medical literature: appeared in 3 granted decisions (0 denied, 6 remanded; 9 total)

What the Board discussed in granted decisions for DC 7903

The themes below were extracted by clustering 500 grant-factor sentences from published Board of Veterans Appeals decisions for this diagnostic code. Frequencies indicate how often each theme appeared in the sample. This is a factual aggregate of the public record, not advice or strategy for any specific claim.

44% Benefit of the doubt doctrine stated or applied
The Board cited the benefit of the doubt doctrine — noting that when positive and negative evidence is in approximate balance or nearly equal, the claimant prevails — either as a general legal standard, as a basis for granting a claim, or as a finding that the doctrine was considered but inapplicable because evidence preponderates against the claim.
221 of 500 sample sentences
23% VA or private examiner nexus opinion recorded as at-least-as-likely-as-not
A VA or private medical examiner's opinion was documented as concluding it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that a current disability was incurred in, caused by, or related to active military service or a service-connected condition.
117 of 500 sample sentences
14% Hypothyroidism-specific nexus or rating opinion noted
A medical examiner's opinion or Board finding was recorded specifically addressing whether the Veteran's hypothyroidism was at least as likely as not related to service, herbicide exposure, thyroid cancer, or another service-connected condition, or addressing the appropriate disability rating for hypothyroidism under DC 7903.
68 of 500 sample sentences
9% Evidence found in equipoise on a material fact
The Board found the lay and medical evidence to be in relative equipoise or approximate balance on a specific material question — such as service incurrence, nexus, continuity of symptoms, or appropriate rating level — and resolved that balance in the Veteran's favor.
47 of 500 sample sentences
7% Secondary service connection nexus opinion recorded
A medical examiner's opinion was documented concluding that a disability was at least as likely as not proximately due to, the result of, caused by, or aggravated by a service-connected disability, supporting secondary service connection.
35 of 500 sample sentences
6% Herbicide or toxic exposure nexus opinion recorded
A medical examiner, clinician, or the Board recorded a finding that a Veteran's disability — including hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, Graves' disease, or other condition — was at least as likely as not caused by in-service exposure to herbicide agents, Agent Orange, or other toxic substances.
30 of 500 sample sentences
4% Remand or examination question framed as at-least-as-likely-as-not
A remand order or examination directive was recorded requiring an examiner to opine whether a specific condition is at least as likely as not related to service, a service-connected disability, or a toxic exposure risk activity.
20 of 500 sample sentences
4% Preponderance of evidence found against the claim
The Board recorded that the preponderance or persuasive weight of evidence was against the claim — on service connection, rating level, or another issue — such that the benefit of the doubt doctrine was inapplicable and the claim was denied.
18 of 500 sample sentences
3% DC 7903 rating level finding recorded
The Board documented a specific finding regarding the appropriate disability percentage rating for service-connected hypothyroidism under Diagnostic Code 7903, noting the symptoms — such as fatigability, constipation, mental sluggishness, cold intolerance, or need for continuous medication — that supported the assigned rating.
14 of 500 sample sentences
2% Lay or credibility evidence noted in equipoise finding
The Board recorded that the Veteran's competent and credible lay statements, testimony, or reports of symptoms — considered alongside medical evidence — placed the overall record in at least relative equipoise on a material issue such as in-service exposure, continuity of symptoms, or substantially gainful employment.
8 of 500 sample sentences
1% TDIU or substantially gainful employment finding recorded
The Board documented a finding that the evidence was in equipoise or supported a conclusion that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypothyroidism, precluded substantially gainful employment and warranted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
6 of 500 sample sentences
1% Presumptive service connection finding noted
The Board or examiner recorded that a condition — such as hypothyroidism, Graves' disease, or thyroid cancer — qualified for presumptive service connection based on verified in-service herbicide exposure, ionizing radiation, or Gulf War service, placing the evidence in at least equipoise.
5 of 500 sample sentences

Disclaimer: This page reproduces public Department of Veterans Affairs forms (DBQs) and verbatim text from 38 CFR Part 4 (the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities). It is informational only and is not legal or medical advice. For guidance on a specific claim, contact a VA-accredited representative.