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. Medically acceptable imaging includes, but is not limited to, x-ray imaging, computerized axial tomorgraphy, (CAT scan) or magentic resonance imaging (MRI), with or without contrast material, meyelography, and radionueclear bone scans. "Appropriate" means that the technique used is the proper one to support the evaluation and diagnosis of the impairment.

9.01 Category of Impairments, Endorcrine System

9.02 Thyroid Disorders.

Evaluate the resulting impairment under the criteria for the affected body system.

9.03 Hyperparathyroidism. With:

A. Severe recurrent tetany; or

B. Recurrent generalized convulsions; or

C. Lenticular cateracts. Evaluate under the criteria in 2.00ff.

9.05 Neurohypopyseal insufficiency (diabetes insipidus). With urine specific gravity of 1,005 or below, persistent for at least e 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 disturance 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 pC02 or bicarbonate levels); or

C. Retinitis proliferans; evaluate the visual impairment under the criteria in 2.02, 2.03, or 2,04.