Hyperhidrosis VA Disability Rating

While it may seem like a minor inconvenience to some, for those living with it, the constant sweating and discomfort of hyperhidrosis can be frustrating and embarrassing and make it difficult to lead a normal life. If you’re a veteran dealing with hyperhidrosis, you may be eligible for a hyperhidrosis VA rating.

In this article, we talk about what hyperhidrosis is, what other medical conditions can cause it, and how veterans can qualify for a hyperhidrosis VA disability rating. 

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating that isn’t the result of heat, exercise, or stress. People with hyperhidrosis sometimes experience so much sweating that it soaks through their clothes or drips off their hands, potentially leading to increased social anxiety and embarrassment. 

Often, there is an underlying condition causing hyperhidrosis. Once the primary condition is treated, sweating can usually be alleviated. Below, we explain which conditions can cause hyperhidrosis and how veterans can service connect secondary hyperhidrosis to military service.

Hyperhidrosis and related conditions

In many cases, hyperhidrosis is the symptom of another medical condition. Veterans with a condition that causes hyperhidrosis may find it easier to prove their hyperhidrosis is secondary to their primary condition. 

Hyperhidrosis can be secondary to any of the conditions below. It’s important to note that this is not a comprehensive list. If you have hyperhidrosis you believe is caused by a service-connected condition not listed here, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

• Diabetes – People with low blood sugar levels or diabetes-related nervous system damage may be prone to excessive sweating.
• Thyroid problems – Conditions like hyperthyroidism can cause hormonal imbalances leading to an increase in body sweat. 
• Some cancers – Cancers including lymphoma, leukemia, neuroendocrine tumors, and tumors that affect the adrenal glands can cause hyperhidrosis. Additionally, some medications used to treat cancer can cause unusual sweating.  
• Heart conditions – Excessive sweating is often a symptom of heart failure.
• Parkinson’s disease – Hyperhidrosis can be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease, or it can be a lingering problem that can worsen as the disease progresses.  
• Anxiety – An anxiety disorder diagnosis can cause and make hyperhidrosis symptoms worse. Alternatively, a hyperhidrosis diagnosis can cause an anxiety disorder due to constant worry about sweating.

If you have hyperhidrosis and you’ve been diagnosed with any of these conditions, you may be able to claim hyperhidrosis as a secondary condition. A veteran can receive a secondary disability rating for any health condition that is medically related to a condition that’s service connected.

---

---

Hyperhidrosis VA rating

If your hyperhidrosis makes it challenging to perform everyday tasks, you may qualify for a hyperhidrosis VA disability rating. Excessive sweating on the palms of your hands can make it hard to grip tools, write, or drive a vehicle, for example. The inability to grip objects properly can potentially cause safety risks and affect your job performance.

The VA rates service-connected hyperhidrosis using diagnostic code 7832 under the Schedule of Ratings for the skin. Veterans can be assigned a 0% or 30% rating for hyperhidrosis depending on severity and if they respond to therapy.

• 30% hyperhidrosis VA rating: You are unable to handle paper or tools because of moisture, and unresponsive to therapy
• 0% hyperhidrosis VA rating: You are able to handle paper or tools after therapy

Although a 0% rating is noncompensable, it’s important to establish a service-connected for your condition, in case it gets worse over time.

How Woods & Woods can help

The VA-accredited attorneys at Woods & Woods have helped thousands of veterans nationwide get the disability benefits they deserve. Call us today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.

Frequently asked questions