Schedule for Rating Disabilities; The Endocrine System
Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 211 (Thursday, November 2, 2017)
Federal Register Volume 82, Number 211 (Thursday, November 2, 2017)
Rules and Regulations
Pages 50802-50807
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2017-23044
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
RIN 2900-AO44
Schedule for Rating Disabilities; The Endocrine System
AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) by revising the portion of the Schedule that addresses endocrine conditions and disorders of the endocrine system. The effect of this action is to ensure that the VASRD uses current medical terminology and to provide detailed and updated criteria for evaluation of endocrine disorders.
DATES: This rule is effective on December 10, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ioulia Vvedenskaya, Medical Officer, Part 4 VASRD Regulations Staff (211C), Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, Ioulia.Vvedenskaya@va.gov, (202) 461-
9700 (this is not a toll-free telephone number).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register at 80 FR 39011 on July 8, 2015, to amend the portion of the VASRD dealing with endocrine disorders. VA provided a 60-day public comment period, and interested persons were invited to submit written comments, suggestions, or objections on or before September 8, 2015. VA received comments from four individuals. In addition, VA received a comment from a veterans service organization. Unless otherwise indicated below, VA adopts the changes set forth in the proposed rule.
Public Comments
One commenter asked whether VA would recognize polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) under the VA rating schedule. VA has a mechanism in place to address PCOS under 38 CFR 4.116. Specifically, the rating schedule for Gynecological Conditions and Disorders of the Breast addresses various ovarian conditions under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7615, ``Ovary, disease, injury, or adhesions of'' and allows VA to rate based on whether symptoms are controlled by or require continuous treatment. In exceptional cases where the schedular evaluation is inadequate, 38 CFR 3.321 allows for extraschedular evaluation. Therefore, VA makes no changes based on this comment.
Two commenters proposed additional modifications to DC 7913, ``Diabetes mellitus.'' One commenter suggested adding a note to address the issue of regulation of activities. Another commenter suggested not changing the insulin requirements within DC 7913 without considering the other requirements in the DC such as regulation of activities. The same commenter suggested removing the insulin requirement for a 20-
percent rating and the regulation of activities requirement at all disability ratings under the DC. The commenter stated that the functional impairment caused by required use of insulin is greater than impairment caused by ingestion of oral medication to control diabetes. As stated in the proposed rule, VA is not proposing any change to the evaluation criteria for DC 7913 at this time other than requiring ``one or more daily injection'' of insulin for a 20-, 40- or 60-percent rating and instead intends to establish a work group to specifically address this condition. Therefore, these comments are beyond the scope of this rulemaking. However, VA will take these comments into consideration in connection with a possible future rulemaking.
One commenter suggested changing the terminology for a 100-percent rating under DC 7903, ``Hypothyroidism'' from ``myxedema'' to ``myxedema coma or crisis'' because myxedema can be present without causing the requisite level of symptoms for a 100-percent rating. Myxedema is a term used to denote severe hypothyroidism, and myxedema coma or myxedema crisis is a medical emergency and represents a specific rare life-threatening clinical condition. Because the clinical picture of myxedema appears in the most extreme cases of hypothyroidism, we believe that this manifestation of the disability warrants a 100-percent rating (See Greenspan's Basic & Clinical Endocrinology (D.G. Gardner et al. eds., 9th ed. 2011) available at http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=380§ionid=39744047#8401831). Therefore, VA makes no changes based on this comment.
The same commenter proposed that VA retain a 10-percent minimum evaluation in the DCs for endocrine disabilities because of the need for continuous medication to control the symptoms of these disabilities. VA disagrees. In the absence of symptoms, medical management of chronic endocrine disorders does not present a significant lifestyle adjustment, and it does not result in impairment of earning capacity (see 38 U.S.C. 1155). Therefore, VA makes no changes based on this comment.
The same commenter noted a typographical error in the text of proposed DC 7911. The word ``adrenocortical'' was misspelled as ``adrenalcortical.'' VA has changed the spelling of the term based on this comment.
One commenter was supportive of the overall changes and additions to this section of the VASRD, such as additional DCs, clarification of notes on residuals affecting other body systems, instructions to rate some residuals separately, accounting for additional symptoms, and formation of a new work group for diabetes mellitus. The
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commenter also commented that proposed DCs 7900 (Hyperthyroidism), 7903 (Hypothyroidism), and 7905 (Hypoparathyroidism) do not adequately account for disability due to uncontrolled thyroid hormone or calcium imbalance because proposed DCs 7900 and 7903 only provide a 30-percent rating for symptoms existing for up to six months after diagnosis and proposed DC 7905 provides a 100-percent rating for symptoms occurring for up to three months after diagnosis; thereafter, residual effects are rated under the body system affected by the endocrine disability. The commenter stated that endocrine function may still be disturbed while the correct dosage of medication is being determined and that some patients may not have received treatment.
We first point out that the ratings under DC 7900 and 7903 are for ``six months after initial diagnosis'' and the rating under DC 7905 is for ``three months after initial diagnosis.'' Thus, the claimants are likely receiving treatment. In addition, as VA explained in the notice of proposed rulemaking, most symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are alleviated within six months of treatment (see 80 FR 39011, 39013 (Jul. 8, 2015)).
With regard to residual symptoms, the primary effect of chronic hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism is on body systems regulated by the thyroid. Therefore, in cases where veterans still have symptoms after six months for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism or after three months for hypoparathyroidism, VA addresses residual symptoms by rating all residuals based on the specific disability presented under the most appropriate DCs within the appropriate body system(s).
The residuals of endocrine disorders such as uncontrolled thyroid hormone or calcium imbalance produce measurable disability including muscle damage, blood-clotting issues, nerve and kidney damage, depression, and many others. Therefore, VA makes no changes based on this comment.
The commenter also stated that VA has not provided a reasoned argument for eliminating a 10-percent evaluation when continued medication is required under DCs 7900 and 7903. Ratings under the schedule are ``based, as far as practicable, upon the average impairments of earning capacity resulting from specific injuries'' or combination of injuries (see 38 U.S.C. 1155). As detailed above, VA explained in the notice of proposed rulemaking that symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism generally resolve completely within six months after diagnosis and that symptoms of hypoparathyroidism are generally eliminated following treatment with calcium and vitamin D supplementation (see 80 FR 39011, 39012-14 (Jul. 8, 2015)). Because symptoms are generally eliminated or minimal once a patient receives appropriate medication, there is no impairment of earning capacity and therefore no need to retain the 10-percent rating under DCs 7900, 7903, and 7905. As explained above, any disabling residuals may be rated under the most appropriate rating code. Further, if medication is discontinued and symptoms reappear, the disability could again be rated under the schedule for rating disabilities of the endocrine system.
The same commenter suggested that proposed DC 7912 should account for residuals of common treatment procedures such as the Whipple procedure, which is also used for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. VA regulations allow for secondary service connection for disabilities that are proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury (see 38 CFR 3.310(a)). Disabilities that are secondarily service connected and have distinguishable symptoms, to include disabilities that arise from the treatment of a service-
connected disability, are rated separately under the VA rating schedule. Therefore, VA makes no changes based on this comment.
The same commenter proposed that VA amend DCs 7901 and 7902 to account for the specific characteristics of disfigurement due to thyroid enlargement rather than rating such disfigurement under DC 7800 because the criteria in DC 7800 do not match the features of thyroid enlargement. The commenter provided two examples of this alleged inconsistency, cystic thyroid nodules requiring draining and soft swelling of the neck. If disfigurement related to thyroid enlargement does not satisfy the criteria in DC 7800, the disfigurement does not result in impairment of earning capacity and is not compensable (see 38 U.S.C. 1155). Therefore, VA makes no changes based on these comments.
VA appreciates the comments submitted in response to the proposed rule. Based on the rationale stated in the proposed rule and in this document, the proposed rule is adopted with the change noted.
We are additionally adding updates to 38 CFR part 4, Appendices A, B, and C, to reflect changes to the endocrine system rating criteria made by this rulemaking. The appendices are tools for users of the VASRD and do not contain substantive content regarding evaluation of disabilities. As such, we believe it is appropriate to include these updates in this final rule.
Benefits Costs
The change to the proposed rule will not alter the estimated costs provided in the previous Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
Effective Date of Final Rule
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) personnel utilize the Veterans Benefit Management System for Rating (VBMS-R) to process disability compensation claims that involve disability evaluations made under the VASRD. In order to ensure that there is no delay in processing veterans' claims, VA must coordinate the effective date of this final rule with corresponding VBMS-R system updates. As such, this final rule will apply effective December 10, 2017, the date VBMS-R system updates related to this final rule will be complete.
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
Executive Orders 13563 and 12866 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, and other advantages; distributive impacts; and equity). Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review) emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility. Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) defines a ``significant regulatory action,'' requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), unless OMB waives such review, as ``any regulatory action that is likely to result in a rule that may: (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or
Page 50804
the principles set forth in this Executive Order.''
The economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, and policy implications of this final rule have been examined, and have been determined not to be a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. VA's impact analysis can be found as a supporting document at http://www.regulations.gov, usually within 48 hours after the rulemaking document is published. Additionally, a copy of this rulemaking and its impact analysis are available on VA's Web site at http://www.va.gov/orpm/, by following the link for ``VA Regulations Published From FY 2004 Through Fiscal Year to Date.''
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Secretary hereby certifies that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-
612. This final rule will not directly affect any small entities. Only certain VA beneficiaries could be directly affected. Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), this rulemaking is exempt from the initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis requirements of sections 603 and 604.
Unfunded Mandates
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C. 1532, that agencies prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and benefits before issuing any rule that may result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for inflation) in any one year. This final rule will have no such effect on State, local, and tribal governments, or on the private sector.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This final rule contains no provisions constituting a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3521).
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance program numbers and titles for this rule are 64.009, Veterans Medical Care Benefits; 64.104, Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability for Veterans; 64.109, Veterans Compensation for Service-Connected Disability; and 64.110, Veterans Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for Service-
Connected Death.
Signing Authority
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gina S. Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on April 19, 2017, for publication.
List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 4
Disability benefits, Pensions, Veterans.
Approved: April 19, 2017.
Jeffrey Martin,
Office Program Manager, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs
Editor's Note: This document was received for publication at the Office of the Federal Register on October 19, 2017.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Department of Veterans Affairs amends 38 CFR part 4 as set forth below:
PART 4--SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES
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1. The authority citation for part 4 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1155, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart B--Disability Ratings
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2. Amend Sec. 4.104 by revising the entry for 7008 to read as follows:
Sec. 4.104 Schedule of ratings-cardiovascular system.
Diseases of the Heart
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Rating
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* * * * *
7008 Hyperthyroid heart disease.
Rate under the appropriate cardiovascular diagnostic code,
depending on particular findings.
* * * * *
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3. Amend Sec. 4.119 by:
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Revising the entries for 7900 through 7905;
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Adding in numerical order an entry for 7906; and
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Revising the entries for 7907 through 7909, 7911 through 7913, and 7915 through 7919.
The revisions and addition read as follows:
Sec. 4.119 Schedule of ratings--endocrine system.
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Rating
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7900 Hyperthyroidism, including, but not limited to, Graves'
disease:
For six months after initial diagnosis................... 30
Thereafter, rate residuals of disease or complications of
medical treatment within the appropriate diagnostic
code(s) within the appropriate body system.
Note (1): If hyperthyroid cardiovascular or cardiac
disease is present, separately evaluate under DC 7008
(hyperthyroid heart disease).
Note (2): Separately evaluate eye involvement occurring
as a manifestation of Graves' Disease as diplopia (DC
6090); impairment of central visual acuity (DCs 6061-
6066); or under the most appropriate DCs in Sec. 4.79.
7901 Thyroid enlargement, toxic:
Note (1): Evaluate symptoms of hyperthyroidism under DC
7900, hyperthyroidism, including, but not limited to,
Graves' disease.
Note (2): If disfigurement of the neck is present due to
thyroid disease or enlargement, separately evaluate
under DC 7800 (burn scar(s) of the head, face, or neck;
scar(s) of the head, face, or neck due to other causes;
or other disfigurement of the head, face, or neck).
7902 Thyroid enlargement, nontoxic:
Note (1): Evaluate symptoms due to pressure on adjacent
organs (such as the trachea, larynx, or esophagus) under
the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the
appropriate body system.
Note (2): If disfigurement of the neck is present due to
thyroid disease or enlargement, separately evaluate
under DC 7800 (burn scar(s) of the head, face, or neck;
scar(s) of the head, face, or neck due to other causes;
or other disfigurement of the head, face, or neck).
7903 Hypothyroidism:
Page 50805
Hypothyroidism manifesting as myxedema (cold intolerance, 100
muscular weakness, cardiovascular involvement
(including, but not limited to hypotension, bradycardia,
and pericardial effusion), and mental disturbance
(including, but not limited to dementia, slowing of
thought and depression))................................
Note (1): This evaluation shall continue for six months
beyond the date that an examining physician has
determined crisis stabilization. Thereafter, the
residual effects of hypothyroidism shall be rated under
the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the
appropriate body system(s) (e.g., eye, digestive, and
mental disorders).
Hypothyroidism without myxedema.......................... 30
Note (2): This evaluation shall continue for six months
after initial diagnosis. Thereafter, rate residuals of
disease or medical treatment under the most appropriate
diagnostic code(s) under the appropriate body system
(e.g., eye, digestive, mental disorders).
Note (3): If eye involvement, such as exophthalmos,
corneal ulcer, blurred vision, or diplopia, is also
present due to thyroid disease, also separately evaluate
under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) in Sec. 4.79,
Schedule of Ratings--Eye (such as diplopia (DC 6090) or
impairment of central visual acuity (DCs 6061-6066)).
7904 Hyperparathyroidism:
For six months from date of discharge following surgery.. 100
Note (1): After six months, rate on residuals under the
appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the appropriate
body system(s) based on a VA examination.
Hypercalcemia (indicated by at least one of the 60
following: Total Ca greater than 12 mg/dL (3-3.5 mmol/
L), Ionized Ca greater than 5.6 mg/dL (2-2.5 mmol/L),
creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min, bone mineral
density T-score less than 2.5 SD (below mean) at any
site or previous fragility fracture)....................
Note (2): Where surgical intervention is indicated, this
evaluation shall continue until the day of surgery, at
which time the provisions pertaining to a 100-percent
evaluation shall apply.
Note (3): Where surgical intervention is not indicated,
this evaluation shall continue for six months after
pharmacologic treatment begins. After six months, rate
on residuals under the appropriate diagnostic code(s)
within the appropriate body system(s) based on a VA
examination.
Symptoms such as fatigue, anorexia, nausea, or 10
constipation that occur despite surgery; or in
individuals who are not candidates for surgery but
require continuous medication for control...............
Asymptomatic............................................. 0
Note (4): Following surgery or other treatment, evaluate
chronic residuals, such as nephrolithiasis (kidney
stones), decreased renal function, fractures, vision
problems, and cardiovascular complications, under the
appropriate diagnostic codes.
7905 Hypoparathyroidism:
For three months after initial diagnosis................. 100
Thereafter, evaluate chronic residuals, such as
nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), cataracts, decreased
renal function, and congestive heart failure under the
appropriate diagnostic codes.
7906 Thyroiditis:
With normal thyroid function (euthyroid)................. 0
Note: Manifesting as hyperthyroidism, evaluate as
hyperthyroidism, including, but not limited to, Graves'
disease (DC 7900); manifesting as hypothyroidism,
evaluate as hypothyroidism (DC 7903).
7907 Cushing's syndrome:
As active, progressive disease, including areas of 100
osteoporosis, hypertension, and proximal upper and lower
extremity muscle wasting that results in inability to
rise from squatting position, climb stairs, rise from a
deep chair without assistance, or raise arms............
Proximal upper or lower extremity muscle wasting that 60
results in inability to rise from squatting position,
climb stairs, rise from a deep chair without assistance,
or raise arms...........................................
With striae, obesity, moon face, glucose intolerance, and 30
vascular fragility......................................
Note: The evaluations specifically indicated under this
diagnostic code shall continue for six months following
initial diagnosis. After six months, rate on residuals
under the appropriate diagnostic code(s) within the
appropriate body system(s).
7908 Acromegaly:
Evidence of increased intracranial pressure (such as 100
visual field defect), arthropathy, glucose intolerance,
and either hypertension or cardiomegaly.................
Arthropathy, glucose intolerance, and hypertension....... 60
Enlargement of acral parts or overgrowth of long bones... 30
7909 Diabetes insipidus:
For three months after initial diagnosis................. 30
Note: Thereafter, if diabetes insipidus has subsided,
rate residuals under the appropriate diagnostic code(s)
within the appropriate body system.
With persistent polyuria or requiring continuous hormonal 10
therapy.................................................
7911 Addison's disease (adrenocortical insufficiency):
Four or more crises during the past year................. 60
Three crises during the past year, or; five or more 40
episodes during the past year...........................
One or two crises during the past year, or; two to four 20
episodes during the past year, or; weakness and
fatigability, or; corticosteroid therapy required for
control.................................................
Note (1): An Addisonian ``crisis'' consists of the rapid
onset of peripheral vascular collapse (with acute
hypotension and shock), with findings that may include:
anorexia; nausea; vomiting; dehydration; profound
weakness; pain in abdomen, legs, and back; fever;
apathy, and depressed mentation with possible
progression to coma, renal shutdown, and death.
Note (2): An Addisonian ``episode,'' for VA purposes, is
a less acute and less severe event than an Addisonian
crisis and may consist of anorexia, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, malaise, orthostatic
hypotension, or hypoglycemia, but no peripheral vascular
collapse.
Note (3): Tuberculous Addison's disease will be evaluated
as active or inactive tuberculosis. If inactive, these
evaluations are not to be combined with the graduated
ratings of 50 percent or 30 percent for non-pulmonary
tuberculosis specified under Sec. 4.88b. Assign the
higher rating.
7912 Polyglandular syndrome (multiple endocrine neoplasia,
autoimmune polyglandular syndrome):
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Evaluate according to major manifestations to include,
but not limited to, Type I diabetes mellitus,
hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, or
Addison's disease.
7913 Diabetes mellitus:
Requiring more than one daily injection of insulin, 100
restricted diet, and regulation of activities (avoidance
of strenuous occupational and recreational activities)
with episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions
requiring at least three hospitalizations per year or
weekly visits to a diabetic care provider, plus either
progressive loss of weight and strength or complications
that would be compensable if separately evaluated.......
Requiring one or more daily injection of insulin, 60
restricted diet, and regulation of activities with
episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions
requiring one or two hospitalizations per year or twice
a month visits to a diabetic care provider, plus
complications that would not be compensable if
separately evaluated....................................
Requiring one or more daily injection of insulin, 40
restricted diet, and regulation of activities...........
Requiring one or more daily injection of insulin and 20
restricted diet, or; oral hypoglycemic agent and
restricted diet.........................................
Manageable by restricted diet only....................... 10
Note (1): Evaluate compensable complications of diabetes
separately unless they are part of the criteria used to
support a 100-percent evaluation. Noncompensable
complications are considered part of the diabetic
process under DC 7913.
Note (2): When diabetes mellitus has been conclusively
diagnosed, do not request a glucose tolerance test
solely for rating purposes.
* * * * * * *
7915 Neoplasm, benign, any specified part of the endocrine
system:
Rate as residuals of endocrine dysfunction.
7916 Hyperpituitarism (prolactin secreting pituitary
dysfunction):
Note: Evaluate as malignant or benign neoplasm, as
appropriate.
7917 Hyperaldosteronism (benign or malignant):
Note: Evaluate as malignant or benign neoplasm, as
appropriate.
7918 Pheochromocytoma (benign or malignant):
Note: Evaluate as malignant or benign neoplasm as
appropriate.
7919 C-cell hyperplasia of the thyroid:
If antineoplastic therapy is required, evaluate as a
malignant neoplasm under DC 7914. If a prophylactic
thyroidectomy is performed (based upon genetic testing)
and antineoplastic therapy is not required, evaluate as
hypothyroidism under DC 7903.
* * * * * * *
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4. Amend the table in appendix A to part 4 in the entries for Sec. 4.104 and Sec. 4.119 by:
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-
Revising the entry for 7008;
0
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Revising the entries for 7900 through 7905;
0
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Adding in numerical order an entry for 7906; and
0
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Revising the entries for 7907 through 7909, 7911 through 7913, and 7915 through 7919.
The revisions and addition read as follows:
Appendix A to Part 4--Table of Amendments and Effective Dates Since 1946
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Diagnostic
Sec. code No.
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* * * * * * *
7008 Evaluation January 12, 1998; criterion
December 10, 2017.
* * * * * * *
4.119.......... 7900 Criterion August 13, 1981; evaluation June
9, 1996; title December 10, 2017;
evaluation December 10, 2017; criterion
December 10, 2017; note December 10,
2017.
7901 Criterion August 13, 1981; evaluation June
9, 1996; title December 10, 2017;
evaluation December 10, 2017; criterion
December 10, 2017; note December 10,
2017.
7902 Evaluation August 13, 1981; criterion June
9, 1996; title December 10, 2017;
evaluation December 10, 2017; criterion
December 10, 2017; note December 10,
2017.
7903 Criterion August 13, 1981; evaluation June
9, 1996; evaluation December 10, 2017;
criterion December 10, 2017; note
December 10, 2017.
7904 Criterion August 13, 1981; evaluation June
9, 1996; evaluation December 10, 2017;
criterion December 10, 2017; note
December 10, 2017.
7905 Evaluation; August 13, 1981; evaluation
June 9, 1996; evaluation December 10,
2017; criterion December 10, 2017.
7906 Added December 10, 2017.
7907 Evaluation; August 13, 1981; evaluation
June 9, 1996; criterion December 10,
2017; note December 10, 2017.
7908 Criterion August 13, 1981; criterion June
9, 1996; criterion December 10, 2017.
7909 Evaluation August 13, 1981; criterion June
9, 1996; evaluation June 9, 1996;
criterion December 10, 2017; evaluation
December 10, 2017; note December 10,
2017.
7910 Removed June 9, 1996.
7911 Evaluation March 11, 1969; evaluation
August 13, 1981; criterion June 9, 1996;
title December 10, 2017; note December
10, 2017.
7912 Title December 10, 2017; criterion
December 10, 2017.
7913 Criterion September 9, 1975; criterion
August 13, 1981; criterion June 6, 1996;
evaluation June 9, 1996; criterion
December 10, 2017; note December 10,
2017.
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* * * * * * *
7915 Criterion June 9, 1996; criterion December
10, 2017.
7916 Added June 9, 1996; note December 10,
2017.
7917 Added June 9, 1996; note December 10,
2017.
7918 Added June 9, 1996; note December 10,
2017.
7919 Added June 9, 1996; evaluation June 9,
1996; criterion December 10, 2017; note
December 10, 2017.
* * * * * * *
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5. Amend Appendix B to part 4 by:
0
-
Revising the entries for diagnostic codes 7900 through 7902;
0
-
Adding, in numerical order, an entry for diagnostic code 7906; and
0
-
Revising the entries for diagnostic codes 7911 and 7912.
The revisions and addition read as follows:
Appendix B to Part 4--Numerical Index of Disabilities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diagnostic code No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
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7900......................... Hyperthyroidism, including, but not
limited to, Graves' disease.
7901......................... Thyroid enlargement, toxic.
7902......................... Thyroid enlargement, nontoxic.
* * * * * * *
7906......................... Thyroiditis.
* * * * * * *
7911......................... Addison's disease (adrenocortical
insufficiency).
7912......................... Polyglandular syndrome (multiple
endocrine neoplasia, autoimmune
polyglandular syndrome).
* * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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6. Amend Appendix C to Part 4 as follows:
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-
Add, in alphabetical order, entries for ``Graves' disease'' and ``Polyglandular syndrome'';
0
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Revise the entry for ``Thyroid gland''; and
0
-
Add, in alphabetical order, an entry for ``Thyroiditis''.
The additions and revision read as follows:
Appendix C to Part 4--Alphabetical Index of Disabilities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diagnostic
code No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Graves' disease............................................ 7900
* * * * *
Polyglandular syndrome..................................... 7912
* * * * *
Thyroid gland..............................................
Nontoxic thyroid enlargement............................. 7902
Toxic thyroid enlargement................................ 7901
Thyroiditis................................................ 7906
* * * * *
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FR Doc. 2017-23044 Filed 11-1-17; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
