A hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol in the body.
For the 100% rating, medical records should document that the disease is currently active and progressing, with imaging or bone density studies showing osteoporosis, recorded blood pressure readings confirming hypertension, and clinical findings of proximal muscle wasting in the upper or lower extremities. Examination notes or functional assessments should describe your inability to rise from a squatting position, climb stairs, rise from a deep chair without assistance, or raise your arms.
For the 60% rating, the same kinds of functional findings about proximal muscle wasting matter — exam notes, physical therapy records, or a VA examination that documents the specific movements you cannot perform.
For the 30% rating, clinical records should show a provider's observations of striae, obesity, and moon face, along with lab results reflecting glucose intolerance and notes on vascular fragility such as easy bruising.
For any level, your own statements and those of people who know you describing how your symptoms affect daily tasks and work can help show the functional limits the rating criteria describe. Because ratings convert to residuals after six months, records that clearly date the initial diagnosis are also relevant.
Conditions that are often caused or made worse by this one. If you have any of these, they may be claimable as secondary service connection.
