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The Endocrine System
Topics:
The Endocrine System Overview
Endocrine System Condition Ratings
The Endocrine System Overview
The VA awards disability compensation for each Endocrine System condition that is service-connected. The DoD will also rate service-connected Endocrine System conditions as long as they also make the service member Unfit for Duty. For Reservists, the condition must have occurred in or resulted from an injury in the Line of Duty to qualify.
The Endocrine System is a network of glands that create hormones to help regulate the body. These hormones control the growth of new cells and metabolism. Some organs, like the kidney, also help in producing hormones. The Endocrine System is made up of the hypothalamus, thymus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pineal gland, reproductive glands (ovaries or testes), and the pancreas. All these parts work together to keep the body in balance.
To honor the Pyramiding Principle, only a single rating can be given for multiple Endocrine System conditions that cause the same symptoms. However, if multiple Endocrine System conditions exist, each clearly causing separate and distinct symptoms, then they can be rated separately. In most cases, multiple Endocrine System conditions will be rated using all of the symptoms combined together, and the VA will choose the single code they feel best covers the overall Endocrine System disability (see The Endocrine System Ratings page for further details).
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Endocrine System Condition Ratings
The VASRD offers ratings for the following conditions of the Endocrine System:
- Diabetes
- Conditions of the Thyroid
- Conditions of the Parathyroid
- Conditions of the Pituitary Gland
- Conditions of the Adrenal Gland
- Conditions affecting multiple Glands
- Cancer and Tumors of the Endocrine System
If a condition is not directly listed on the Endocrine System Ratings page, it is rated under the code that best describes it or its dominant symptoms.
Ratings for conditions of the ovaries are included on the Female Reproductive System page, and ratings for conditions of the testes are included on the Genitourinary System page.
In addition to or instead of the standard disability compensation for Endocrine System conditions, complete loss of use of the reproductive organs may also qualify for Special Monthly Compensation.
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FAQs
How will the VA rate my Endocrine System condition?
The VA uses the rules of the VASRD to rate Endocrine System conditions based on the level of disability they cause. Check out our Endocrine System Ratings page for the exact codes and ratings.
My condition wasn't diagnosed until after I was discharged. Can it qualify for VA disability?
The VA can only rate conditions that meet some type of service-connection requirement. For conditions diagnosed after service, the condition must either be a secondary condition caused by another service-connected condition, or it must be on the VA's Presumptive List.
Are my conditions eligible for a rating?
Your conditions are eligible to be rated by the VA if they are the result of your military service. You must be able to show proof of service-connection for each condition. For the DoD, they will rate your service-connected conditions as long as they also make you Unfit for Duty.
How do I apply to receive my ratings for my thigh muscles?
If you are still in the military, then you can request your military physician to refer you to the MEB and start the IDES process. If you are already a veteran, you can submit a VA Disability Claim along with evidence of service-connection and all medical records regarding the conditions on the claim.
If my claim is approved, what benefits will I receive?
If you are rated 20% or less from the DoD, then you will receive a single separation payment. If you are rated 30% or more, you will receive full retirement benefits. From the VA, you will receive a monthly payment as well as full medical care from the VA for the qualifying conditions.
How long does it take to receive my disability benefits?
Brand new claims usually take 3-6 months to process. Once processed, you will start receiving payments in 1-3 months.
How are the rating percentages assigned to my conditions?
The rules of the VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) are used to assign rating percentages to conditions. The VASRD gives rating rules for conditions based on their symptoms, treatment options, and the resulting level of disability they cause.
My conditions have worsened. How do I increase my rating percentages?
If your conditions have worsened since you last applied and now qualify for a higher rating, you can submit a new claim, checking the box for an increased evaluation.
