Acromegaly

Acromegaly is defined by the RMA as "a chronic disease of adults resulting from hypersecretion of growth hormone after closure of the epiphyses”.  The condition is characterised by enlargement of many parts of the skeleton especially the distal portions, the nose, ears, jaws, fingers and toes.

Signs and symptoms

• Soft tissue and bone enlargement
• Fatigue, increased sweating, heat intolerance and weight gain
• Coarsening facial features, oily skin, increased skin tags, voice change, increased tongue size and malocclusion.

Establishing onset

Diagnosis can be made from the characteristic clinical findings.  X-rays of the skull and hands show enlargement and thickening.  Plasma GH (growth hormone) levels are typically elevated in acromegaly. Medical records would usually contain reference to the onset of relevant symptoms or signs of the disease. Therefore, if there is a history of acromegaly dating from a particular time and relevant medical notes cannot be obtained, you should seek medical advice to decide whether the claimed symptoms and treatment can be attributed to acromegaly or to some other condition.

Last reviewed for CCPS 10 June 2012.

Preliminary questions [41783]

17515 there is some evidence that acromegaly may be a factor in the development or worsening of the condition under consideration.

10714 the veteran has had acromegaly at some time.

41784 the veteran had the acromegaly to the side and site of the body at some time.

41785  the veteran has established the causal connection between the acromegaly and VEA service for osteoarthritis.

41786 the veteran had the acromegaly to the side and site of the body before the clinical onset of osteoarthritis.

41787   the veteran has established the causal connection between the acromegaly and VEA service for the clinical onset of osteoarthritis.

41790  the veteran has established the causal connection between the acromegaly and operational service for the clinical onset of osteoarthritis.

or

41791  the veteran has established the causal connection between the acromegaly and eligible service for the clinical onset of osteoarthritis.

or

7334     the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred after the end of the veteran's last period of VEA service.

7335     the condition under consideration permanently worsened.

41788 the veteran had the acromegaly to the side and site of the body before the clinical worsening of osteoarthritis.

41789   the veteran has established the causal connection between the acromegaly and VEA service for the clinical worsening of osteoarthritis.

41792  the veteran has established the causal connection between the acromegaly and operational service for the clinical worsening of osteoarthritis.

or

41793  the veteran has established the causal connection between the acromegaly and eligible service for the clinical worsening of osteoarthritis.

Clinical onset and operational service [41790]

10725  the acromegaly is causally related to operational service.

Clinical onset and eligible service [41791]

10726  the acromegaly is causally related to eligible service.

Clinical worsening and operational service [41792]

10725  the acromegaly is causally related to operational service.

41794 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of operational service to which the acromegaly to the side and site of the body is causally related.

Clinical worsening and eligible service [41793]

10726  the acromegaly is causally related to eligible service.

41795 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of eligible service to which the acromegaly to the side and site of the body is causally related.