Hyperparathyroidism

DC 7904Endocrine38 CFR 4.119, DC 7904

A condition where the parathyroid glands make too much parathyroid hormone, causing high calcium levels, bone loss, and kidney problems. The VA rates hyperparathyroidism based on symptoms, treatment needed, and complications.

Rating Levels

Your hyperparathyroidism causes severe organ involvement — kidney failure, severe bone disease, or cardiovascular complications that prevent you from working.

What the VA looks for

Severe renal involvement or renal failure
Severe skeletal disease with multiple fractures
Cardiovascular complications (cardiac arrhythmia)
Precludes employment
Frequent hospitalizations

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting regular DEXA bone density scans — bone loss from excess parathyroid hormone is a key complication that supports higher ratings and may warrant a separate osteoporosis rating.
⚠Not documenting kidney stones and kidney function tests — renal complications are a major factor in rating severity.
⚠Not connecting hyperparathyroidism to military service — head/neck radiation exposure, calcium metabolism disorders, and other service-related causes should be documented.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — kidney stones, osteoporosis, depression, and cardiovascular problems caused by hyperparathyroidism may each be separately ratable.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Endocrine Diseases (Other Than Thyroid, Parathyroid, Diabetes)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

Your hyperparathyroidism causes severe organ involvement — kidney failure, severe bone disease, or cardiovascular complications that prevent you from working.

What the VA looks for

Severe renal involvement or renal failure
Severe skeletal disease with multiple fractures
Cardiovascular complications (cardiac arrhythmia)
Precludes employment
Frequent hospitalizations

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting regular DEXA bone density scans — bone loss from excess parathyroid hormone is a key complication that supports higher ratings and may warrant a separate osteoporosis rating.

⚠Not documenting kidney stones and kidney function tests — renal complications are a major factor in rating severity.

⚠Not connecting hyperparathyroidism to military service — head/neck radiation exposure, calcium metabolism disorders, and other service-related causes should be documented.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — kidney stones, osteoporosis, depression, and cardiovascular problems caused by hyperparathyroidism may each be separately ratable.