The thyroid gland makes proteins, controls how the body uses energy and how sensitive the body is to other hormones. It regulates so much of the body’s functioning that it is a vital gland and can cause many major problems if it doesn’t function properly. Most thyroid conditions can be successfully treated with surgery or other medical options, including medications that give the body the hormones that the thyroid gland is no longer able to produce.

Code 7900: Hyperthyroidism, including Graves’ disease, occurs when the thyroid produces too many hormones. This causes all the functions in the body to speed up, which can cause symptoms like tremors, hair loss, nervousness and anxiety, rapid heart rate, eye swelling, vomiting, and muscle weakness.

It is rated 30% for the first 6 months after being diagnosed. After 6 months, the condition is then re-evaluated and rated on any remaining symptoms or complications from the medication. Each distinct body part that is affected can be rated separately. For example, any heart symptoms are rated under code 7008, hyperthyroid heart disease, and any eye conditions are rated under the most appropriate eye code (i.e. diplopia, code 6090), etc. Any symptoms caused by Graves’ disease are rated separately, even without the presence of hyperthyroidism.

Code 7901: Toxic thyroid enlargement is any condition that causes the thyroid gland to become enlarged (tumors, nodules, swelling, etc.) and produce too many hormones (hyperthyroidism). It is rated as hyperthyroidism under code 7900. If the enlargement of the thyroid causes disfigurement of the neck, then an additional rating can be given under code 7800.

Code 7902: Nontoxic thyroid enlargement is any condition that causes the thyroid to become enlarged (tumors, nodules, swelling, etc.), but does not cause it to produce too many hormones. If it causes problems from pushing on the organs or bodily systems around it, then it can be rated based on the problems it causes. For example, if it pushes on the esophagus and makes it hard to swallow, then it can be rated as a stricture of the esophagus, code 7203. If it also causes disfigurement of the neck, then it can be given an additional rating under code 7800.

Code 7903: Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism in that the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can cause symptoms like constipation, weight gain, tiredness, depression, and muscle cramps, but if left undiagnosed and untreated can cause myxedema, a life-threatening condition with symptoms including muscle weakness, slowing of thought (stupor), dementia, heart problems (most commonly hypotension, bradycardia, and pericardial effusion), and cold intolerance.

A 100% rating is given the entire time myxedema is present and for the first 6 months after the physician determines that the condition is stabilized.

All other cases of hypothyroidism are rated 30% for the first 6 months after diagnosis.

After the 6-month waiting periods, all cases of hypothyroidism are rated on any remaining symptoms. Eye problems, like blurred vision or diplopia, can be rated additionally to other ratings given under this code.

Code 7906: Thyroiditis occurs when the thyroid gland becomes irritated and swells. It can cause no symptoms at all, or result in either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. If it doesn’t cause any symptoms, then it is rated 0% under this code. If it causes hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, it is rated under their respective codes.