9.00 Endocrine System

Cause of impairment. Impairment is caused by overproduction or underproduction of hormones, resulting in structural or functional changes in the body. Where involvement of other organ systems has occurred as a result of a primary endocrine disorder, these impairments should be evaluated according to the criteria under the appropriate sections.

9.02 Thyroid Disorders. With:
A. Progressive exophthalmos as measured by exophthalmometry; or
B. Evaluate the resulting impairment under the criteria for the affected body system.

9.03 Hyperparathyroidism. With:
A. Generalized decalcification of bone on X-ray study and elevation of plasma calcium to 11 mg. per deciliter (100 ml.) or greater; or
B. A resulting impairment. Evaluate according to the criteria in the affected body system.

9.04 Hypoparathyroidism. With:
A. Severe recurrent tetany; or
B. Recurrent generalized convulsions; or
C. Lenticular cataracts. Evaluate under the criteria in 2.00ff.

9.05 Neurohypophyseal insufficiency (diabetes insipidus). With urine specific gravity of 1.005 or below, persistent for at least 3 months and recurrent dehydration.

9.06 Hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex. Evaluate the resulting impairment under the criteria for the affected body system.

9.08 Diabetes mellitus. With: A. Neuropathy demonstrated by significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities resulting in sustained disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station (see 11.00C); or B. Acidosis occurring at least on the average of once every 2 months documented by appropriate blood chemical tests (pH or pCO2 or bicarbonate levels); or C. Amputation at, or above, the tarsal region due to diabetic necrosis or peripheral arterial disease; or D. Retinitis proliferans; evaluate the visual impairment under the criteria in 2.02, 2.03, or 2.04.