August 4, 2025

VA Disability Rating for Thyroid Removal: How to Qualify and What to Expect!

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You may qualify for a VA disability rating for thyroid removal if your surgery resulted from a service-connected condition and you experience ongoing symptoms or complications. 

While the VA doesn’t directly rate thyroid removal, you may qualify for up to a 100% rating depending on your underlying condition. 

Let’s break down how the VA rates thyroid removal and what that could mean for your benefits.

Summary of Key Points

  • The VA rates thyroid removal based on the underlying thyroid condition and any ongoing symptoms or complications that result from the surgery. 
  • To receive VA disability, you must have a current diagnosis, a documented in-service event or exposure, and a medical nexus linking the two. 
  • If your thyroid was removed due to hypothyroidism and you were exposed to Agent Orange, you may qualify for a presumptive condition. 

Can You Get Disability for Thyroid Removal?

VA DISABILITY RATING FOR THYROID REMOVAL.

Yes, you can receive a VA disability for thyroid removal (thyroidectomy), but your eligibility and rating depend on the cause of the surgery and any ongoing issues you face.  

You may qualify for a thyroidectomy VA rating if the surgery results in lasting symptoms or complications connected to your service. 

How the VA Rates Thyroid Removal

The VA rates thyroid removal under the § 4.119 Schedule of ratings—endocrine system.  

There is no specific diagnostic code (DC) for thyroidectomy. Instead, the VA evaluates your underlying condition (like thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism) and any ongoing symptoms or complications. 

VA Rating for Hyperthyroidism (Diagnostic Code 7900)

Hyperthyroidism, including but not limited to Graves’ disease, is rated at 30% for the first six months after you’re diagnosed.  

After that, the VA will rate any ongoing symptoms or complications based on the body systems they affect, like your heart or eyes. 

Notes:  

  • If hyperthyroidism causes heart problems, those can be rated separately under Diagnostic Code 7008 for hyperthyroid heart disease. 
  • If Graves’ disease affects your eyes, that can also be rated separately. The VA may use different codes depending on what symptoms you have, like double vision (DC 6090) or problems with visual sharpness (DCs 6061–6066). 

Related Post: Graves’ Disease VA Rating Explained 

VA Rating for Hypothyroidism Causing Myxedema (Diagnostic Code 7903)

If your hypothyroidism causes myxedema, the VA may assign a 100% rating. While hypothyroidism without myxedema is rated at 30% for six months after initial diagnosis. 

Myxedema is a serious condition with symptoms like: 

  • Cold intolerance 
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Low blood pressure 
  • Slow heart rate 
  • Heart problems 
  • Mental health issues 

Note: This 100% VA rating lasts for six months after your condition is considered stable by a doctor. After that, the VA will rate any lasting symptoms based on the parts of the body they affect, like your eyes, stomach, or mental health, using the appropriate diagnostic codes. 

Related Post: VA Disability for Hypothyroidism (The Ultimate Guide) 

VA Rating for Thyroid Cancer (Diagnostic Code 7914)

If your thyroid cancer is active or you’re receiving treatment like surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedures, the VA will assign a 100% disability rating.  

This 100% VA rating continues for at least six months after your treatment ends. After that, the VA will schedule a mandatory medical exam to check your condition.  

If the cancer hasn’t come back or spread, the VA will stop the temporary 100% rating and give you a new rating based on any lasting health problems caused by the cancer or its treatment. 

THYROID REMOVAL VA RATING.

Proving Service Connection

To qualify for a VA rating for thyroid removal, you’ll need the following: 

  1. A current diagnosis 
  1. An in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness 
  1. A medical nexus (link) between the current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, aggravation, or illness. 

Applying for a VA Disability Rating for Thyroid Removal

You can file for VA disability for thyroid removal in one of the following ways: 

  • By mail 
  • Via fax 

If you choose a method other than online, you’ll need to download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ. 

Is Thyroid Removal a Presumptive Condition?

No, thyroid removal by itself isn’t a presumptive condition. However, the VA added hypothyroidism to its presumptive list in 2021 for veterans exposed to Agent Orange. 

Research has shown a link between thyroid disease and military bases where veterans were exposed to toxic chemicals. 

If you qualify for a presumptive condition, the VA presumes your military service caused your condition. 

See More: VA Updated List of Agent Orange Exposure Locations 

Can Thyroid Removal Lead to Secondary VA Disabilities?

Yes. Thyroidectomy can lead to secondary conditions like: 

  • Heart problems 
  • Depression or anxiety 
  • Sleep issues 
  • Neurological conditions 
  • High blood pressure 

If these result from thyroid removal, they may qualify as secondary service-connected disabilities and be rated separately. 

Final Thoughts

You may qualify for a VA disability rating for thyroid removal if the surgery was related to a service-connected condition like thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism. 

The VA will evaluate your condition based on the severity of symptoms and the body systems affected, with VA ratings potentially reaching up to 100%. 

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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

What is the thyroid removal VA rating?

There isn’t a specific VA rating for thyroid removal. Instead, the VA rates thyroid removal based on the underlying thyroid condition and any ongoing symptoms or complications after surgery. 

What is the VA disability rating for thyroid nodules?

The VA rates thyroid nodules based on their size, symptoms, and impact on your health, but there isn’t a fixed rating code for nodules. Your rating depends on how your condition affects your body and any related treatments or complications. 

What are common thyroid removal consequences?

Thyroid removal can lead to lifelong hormone replacement therapy and possible complications like voice changes or low calcium levels.

Can I get VA disability for thyroid removal due to cancer?

Yes. If your thyroid was removed due to thyroid cancer, you may receive a 100% temporary rating for at least six months post-treatment, followed by a reevaluation.

Does thyroid removal always require lifetime hormone therapy?

Most thyroidectomy patients require lifelong hormone replacement (levothyroxine). This may factor into your ongoing disability evaluation.

Is there a VA rating for complications after thyroid removal?

Yes. Complications like heart problems, mental health issues, or low calcium levels may qualify as secondary service-connected disabilities and be rated separately.

How does the VA evaluate thyroid removal secondary to another condition?

The VA considers both the primary condition (e.g., hypothyroidism) and any resulting complications when determining your rating. You may receive multiple ratings based on affected body systems.

Is hypothyroidism a presumptive condition? 

Yes, if you were exposed to Agent Orange at certain times and places, hypothyroidism is considered a presumptive condition.

Author

Kelly Olone

Kelly Olone

Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse. 

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