38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.116
Vulva Or Clitoris Disease Or Injury Of Including Vulvovaginitis
dc-7610-vulva-or-clitoris-disease-or-injury-of-including-vulvovaginitis
Gynecological / breast
Diagnostic code
7610
Why your DC matters: DC 7610 is the exact code the VA uses to rate this condition. It determines which symptoms unlock which percentage, what evidence the rater looks for, and which secondaries are most likely to be approved.
Last verified against 38 CFR (eCFR Part 4):
Rating criteria (38 CFR Part 4)
Diagnostic code 7610 — Vulva Or Clitoris Disease Or Injury Of Including Vulvovaginitis — is listed under 38 CFR § 4.116 in 38 CFR Part 4. The paragraphs below summarize how this code is used; the official schedule text controls exact percentages, formulas, and notes.
Schedule summary (educational, not a substitute for the regulation): Educational index row from the rating schedule naming convention; confirm exact diagnostic code, effective date, and criteria in the current eCFR Part 4.
Exact rating criteria: Open Part 4 in the eCFR (link under “Official source” below). Locate your diagnostic code number (7610) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7610”. Copy the verbatim rating table, including any parenthetical notes, exceptions, and cross-references, for the version of Part 4 that applies to your effective date.
Effective dates & which schedule version applies
Which diagnostic code, percentage, and effective date apply depends on the facts of your claim and the version of the rating schedule in force for the period being decided. Generally, VA applies the schedule in effect at the specified time under 38 U.S.C. § 5110 and implementing rules, subject to exceptions (e.g., protected ratings, liberalizing law changes—see regulation and VA manual policy as applicable).
For older claims, the **current** eCFR may not match the text that applied years ago. If your decision references a prior percentage or code, compare against the Part 4 text **as of** your claim’s relevant dates; historical Federal Register / CFR snapshots may be needed for precise comparison.
The “Last verified” date on this page is when we last checked this educational summary against the electronic CFR—not the date of any VA policy or your personal claim decision.
Notes for your claim
Evidence: Show that your diagnosis and severity match the factors the schedule names for DC 7610 (e.g., measurements, frequency, treatment, functional loss), with medical and lay evidence as appropriate.
C&P exams: Results should reflect the schedule’s requirements (correct joints measured, correct formulas). If the exam omits required findings, consider submitting records or requesting clarification.
If you disagree with the DC, percentage, or effective date, review the Part 4 text for your period and consider a supplemental claim or appeal with a VA-accredited representative.
This site does not provide legal advice.
Official source
38 CFR Part 4 (eCFR) — locate diagnostic code 7610 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7610 (vulva or clitoris, disease or injury of, including vulvovaginitis) is the catch-all rating for vulvar / clitoral pathology — lichen sclerosus, vulvodynia, chronic vulvovaginitis, vulvar atrophy, post-traumatic / post-surgical vulvar conditions, MST-related vulvar injury, and vulvovaginitis (chronic). Per § 4.116 General Rating Formula for Disease, Injury, or Adhesions of Female Reproductive Organs: 0% (symptoms not requiring continuous treatment), 10% (symptoms requiring continuous treatment), 30% (symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment). Critical lanes: (1) MST direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5) for vulvar injury / scarring residuals; (2) chronic lichen sclerosus is a recognized chronic gynecologic condition with elevated vulvar SCC risk requiring lifelong topical steroid management; (3) vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome rated under DC 7610 by analogy when refractory. Female veteran-specific content is underserved on most VA disability resources — many veterans with chronic vulvar conditions never file. The 2018 § 4.116 restructure expanded DC 7610's heading from 'Vulva, disease or injury of' to 'Vulva or clitoris, disease or injury of (including vulvovaginitis)' — explicitly broadening the rating to capture clitoral pathology and vulvovaginitis in one code.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 30% | Symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment. | Gynecology consult documenting refractory symptoms despite ongoing treatment regimen (high-potency topical corticosteroids for lichen sclerosus, lidocaine for vulvodynia, recurrent antimicrobials for vulvovaginitis, etc.); symptom diary. |
| 10% | Symptoms that require continuous treatment. | Prescription history showing continuous treatment (daily topical corticosteroid for lichen sclerosus, daily topical lidocaine for vulvodynia, scheduled antimicrobial prophylaxis); gynecology follow-up notes. |
| 0% | Symptoms not requiring continuous treatment. | Diagnosis documented but symptoms manageable with episodic treatment or self-care. |
What Qualifies Under DC 7610?
Vulvar / clitoral disease or injury (including vulvovaginitis)
Catch-all rating for vulvar / clitoral pathology not covered by more specific codes. Includes: lichen sclerosus, vulvodynia, chronic vulvovaginitis, vulvar atrophy when symptomatic, post-traumatic / post-surgical vulvar conditions, MST-related vulvar injury.
Tier ladder driven by treatment requirement + control
Per § 4.116 General Rating Formula for Disease/Injury/Adhesions of Female Reproductive Organs:
- • 0% — Symptoms not requiring continuous treatment
- • 10% — Symptoms requiring continuous treatment
- • 30% — Symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment
MST direct SC pathway under § 3.304(f)(5)
Military sexual trauma residuals including vulvar injury rate as direct service connection under DC 7610. Relaxed evidentiary standards.
Lichen sclerosus + vulvar SCC surveillance pathway
Lichen sclerosus carries elevated vulvar SCC risk (~5% lifetime) requiring lifelong surveillance. If SCC develops, file under DC 7627 separately.
Language Your Rater Needs to See
These are the exact (or near-exact) regulatory phrases that unlock specific tiers. If your DBQ or C&P report doesn't use this vocabulary, the rater may default to a lower percentage even when symptoms qualify.
“Symptoms NOT controlled by continuous treatment”
30% gate. Anchor with gynecology consult documenting refractory symptoms despite ongoing treatment regimen. Examples: persistent vulvodynia pain despite topical lidocaine + pelvic floor PT + tricyclic antidepressants; lichen sclerosus with progressive scarring despite high-potency topical steroids; refractory chronic vulvovaginitis.
“Symptoms requiring continuous treatment”
10% gate. Continuous treatment = ongoing prescription regimen. Daily high-potency topical corticosteroid (clobetasol) for lichen sclerosus, daily topical lidocaine for vulvodynia, scheduled antimicrobial prophylaxis for recurrent vulvovaginitis. 'Continuous' means months-long, not days-long.
“Chronic lichen sclerosus requiring lifelong topical steroid management + elevated vulvar SCC surveillance risk”
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic autoimmune vulvar condition requiring lifelong high-potency topical corticosteroid (clobetasol). Carries elevated vulvar squamous cell carcinoma risk requiring ongoing surveillance. The chronic management requirement anchors 10% minimum; surveillance + progressive scarring may anchor 30%.
“Vulvodynia — chronic vulvar pain syndrome lasting 3+ months without identifiable cause”
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome rated under DC 7610 by analogy when other DCs don't fit. Treatment-refractory vulvodynia anchors 30%. Document with vulvar pain mapping, pelvic floor PT records, treatment escalation history.
“MST-related vulvar injury / scarring / chronic pain”
MST residuals include vulvar injury, scarring, chronic pain. Direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5) with relaxed evidentiary standards. Stack with DC 9411 PTSD.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Gynecology consult documenting vulvar/clitoral disease or injury
CRITICALAnchor diagnosis. Pelvic exam, vulvar exam, possibly vulvar biopsy (for lichen sclerosus or chronic vulvovaginitis), vulvar pain mapping (for vulvodynia).
Treatment regimen documentation — continuous vs. episodic
CRITICALDrives the 0% vs. 10% gate. Continuous treatment (daily topical steroid, daily lidocaine, scheduled antimicrobial) anchors 10%.
Symptom diary — vulvar pain, itching, burning, dyspareunia, bleeding, discharge
CRITICALDocuments functional impact and refractoriness to treatment.
Etiology documentation — autoimmune (lichen sclerosus), chronic pain (vulvodynia), infectious, MST-related
CRITICALEstablishes SC pathway. Lichen sclerosus is chronic autoimmune; vulvodynia is chronic pain syndrome; MST is direct SC.
Vulvar biopsy if applicable (lichen sclerosus diagnosis or vulvar SCC surveillance)
IMPORTANTLichen sclerosus is confirmed by biopsy. Surveillance biopsies monitor for SCC transformation.
MST documentation if applicable — restricted/unrestricted report, mental health records, lay statements
IMPORTANTMST claims have relaxed evidentiary standards per § 3.304(f)(5).
Pelvic floor PT records (especially for vulvodynia)
SUPPORTINGAnchors treatment intensity and refractoriness for vulvodynia ratings.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring gynecology consult + treatment regimen documentation
Anchors diagnosis + 10% vs. 30% gate.
Request a female C&P examiner if preferred (especially for MST claims)
VA must accommodate reasonable preference. MST-related claims especially benefit from female examiner.
Document refractoriness explicitly — 'symptoms not controlled by treatment'
Anchors 30% gate. Bring prescription history showing escalation + failure to control.
Document lichen sclerosus surveillance status
Lichen sclerosus requires ongoing dermatology/gynecology surveillance for vulvar SCC transformation. Documents chronic management requirement.
Don't minimize vulvodynia as 'just chronic pain'
Vulvodynia is a recognized chronic pain syndrome rated under DC 7610 by analogy. Refractory vulvodynia anchors 30%.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Not filing chronic vulvar conditions at all
Female veteran-specific gynecologic conditions are underclaimed. Lichen sclerosus, vulvodynia, chronic vulvovaginitis — each rateable under DC 7610. File aggressively.
Not pursuing MST-related vulvar pathology as direct SC
MST residuals including vulvar injury, scarring, chronic pain are direct SC under DC 7610. Relaxed evidentiary standards per § 3.304(f)(5). File aggressively.
Settling for 0% with continuous treatment requirement
Continuous treatment (daily topical steroid for lichen sclerosus, daily topical lidocaine for vulvodynia) anchors 10% minimum. Don't accept 0%.
Not stacking lichen sclerosus surveillance for SCC
Lichen sclerosus carries elevated vulvar SCC risk requiring lifelong surveillance. If vulvar SCC develops, file under DC 7627 (gynecologic malignant neoplasm) — 100% during active disease.
Not stacking PTSD (DC 9411) for MST-related claims
MST residuals stack physical (DC 7610 vulvar, DC 7611 vaginal) + mental health (DC 9411). Each rates separately.
Tactical Plays
⚡ File MST-related vulvar pathology as direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5)
Military sexual trauma residuals including vulvar injury, scarring, chronic pain rate as direct service connection under DC 7610. MST claims have relaxed evidentiary standards per 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5) — corroborating evidence supports SC without requiring contemporaneous in-service medical documentation. File aggressively.
⚡ Anchor lichen sclerosus diagnosis with biopsy + surveillance documentation
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic autoimmune vulvar condition requiring lifelong high-potency topical corticosteroid (clobetasol) management. Carries elevated vulvar SCC risk (~5% lifetime) requiring surveillance. Confirmed by vulvar biopsy. Anchors 10%-30% rating based on treatment refractoriness. Build surveillance secondary file proactively.
⚡ Pursue vulvodynia rating by analogy if refractory
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome (vulvar pain ≥3 months without identifiable cause). Rated under DC 7610 by analogy when other DCs don't fit. Treatment-refractory vulvodynia despite topical lidocaine, pelvic floor PT, tricyclic antidepressants anchors 30%. Document treatment escalation + failure history.
⚡ Stack PTSD (DC 9411) + DC 7611 vaginal pathology for comprehensive MST file
MST residuals frequently affect multiple anatomic sites. Vulvar (DC 7610), vaginal (DC 7611), and mental health (DC 9411 PTSD with MST stressor) each rate separately. Build the comprehensive file rather than filing just one piece.
⚡ Request female C&P examiner if preferred
VA must accommodate reasonable preferences for examiner gender, especially for sensitive vulvar exams and MST-related claims. Request in advance via VSO or directly with the regional office. A female examiner often provides a more thorough and comfortable exam.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
PTSD secondary to MST
STRONGDC 9411
MST residuals stack physical (DC 7610 vulvar pathology, DC 7611 vaginal pathology) + mental health (DC 9411 PTSD with MST stressor). Each rates separately.
Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
STRONGDC 7627
Chronic lichen sclerosus carries elevated vulvar SCC risk (~5% lifetime risk). If SCC develops, file under DC 7627 (gynecologic malignant neoplasm) — 100% during active disease + post-treatment tail.
Major depressive disorder secondary to chronic gynecologic condition
STRONGDC 9434
Chronic vulvar pain + dyspareunia + intimate relationship impact drive depression. Well-documented secondary.
Pelvic floor dysfunction
MODERATEVulvodynia commonly involves pelvic floor hypertonicity. Pelvic floor PT often part of treatment regimen. May rate analogously.
Recurrent UTI / urinary symptoms
MODERATEVulvar pathology + altered anatomy commonly cause recurrent UTIs and urinary symptoms. Rates under genitourinary codes.
Sexual dysfunction / dyspareunia
STRONGFunctional sexual dysfunction is a rateable component of DC 7610 + contributes to mental health secondaries.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
0% — single, no dependents
TOTAL
$0.00/mo
Symptoms not requiring continuous treatment.
10% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$180.42
TOTAL
$180.42/mo
Symptoms requiring continuous treatment (e.g., daily clobetasol for lichen sclerosus, daily topical lidocaine for vulvodynia).
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment (refractory lichen sclerosus, refractory vulvodynia, refractory chronic vulvovaginitis).
30% DC 7610 vulvar + 30% DC 7611 vaginal + 70% DC 9411 PTSD MST (comprehensive MST file)
Base rating
$2,362.30
TOTAL
$2,362.30/mo
Comprehensive MST file stacks multiple physical + mental health DCs.
Note: Amounts are approximations rounded to nearest dollar. Actual comp varies with effective date, dependents (spouse, children, parents — each adds), Aid & Attendance, and additional disabilities. Combined ratings use VA Math (§ 4.25), not simple addition.
Key Definitions
🩺What is Lichen Sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition of the vulva characterized by white patchy skin, scarring, itching, pain, and dyspareunia. Confirmed by vulvar biopsy. Requires lifelong high-potency topical corticosteroid (clobetasol) management. Carries elevated vulvar squamous cell carcinoma risk (~5% lifetime) requiring ongoing surveillance.
🌹What is Vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is a chronic vulvar pain syndrome lasting 3+ months without identifiable cause (after exclusion of dermatologic, infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, neurologic causes). Provoked vulvodynia (pain triggered by contact, including intercourse) and unprovoked vulvodynia (constant pain) are subtypes. Treatment: topical lidocaine, pelvic floor PT, tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin. Rated under DC 7610 by analogy.
🔄Did the 2018 restructure change DC 7610?
Yes — the 2018 § 4.116 restructure expanded the heading from 'Vulva, disease or injury of' to 'Vulva or clitoris, disease or injury of (including vulvovaginitis).' This explicitly broadened the rating to capture clitoral pathology and vulvovaginitis in one code. The tier ladder (0/10/30%) remained the same under the General Rating Formula for Female Reproductive Organs.
🪖How does MST affect this rating?
Military sexual trauma (MST) residuals can include vulvar injury, scarring, chronic vulvar pain, dyspareunia — all rateable under DC 7610. MST claims have relaxed evidentiary standards per 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5): corroborating evidence (changes in behavior, medical records, lay statements, mental health treatment) supports service connection without requiring contemporaneous in-service medical documentation. Stack with PTSD (DC 9411) for comprehensive MST file.
How to File Your Claim
Identify etiology + SC pathway
MST direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5), lichen sclerosus / vulvodynia as chronic conditions, post-surgical secondary to SC predicate.
Get gynecology consult + biopsy if applicable + treatment regimen documentation
Lichen sclerosus confirmed by biopsy. Vulvodynia diagnosed by exclusion + pain mapping. Vulvovaginitis by exam + cultures.
Build symptom diary + treatment-refractoriness documentation
Pain, itching, burning, dyspareunia, bleeding. Document treatment failures for 30% refractory gate.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'vulva or clitoris, disease or injury of (DC 7610)'
Identify specific condition (lichen sclerosus, vulvodynia, chronic vulvovaginitis, MST residuals) in claim narrative.
Stack PTSD (DC 9411) + DC 7611 vaginal + DC 7627 SCC surveillance if applicable
MST file stacks multiple DCs. Lichen sclerosus surveillance for vulvar SCC.
Typical Claim Timeline
File initial claim
Day 0–7: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with all medical evidence on file
VA acknowledges claim
Week 1–2: Receive confirmation letter and claim tracking number
C&P examination scheduled
Month 1–3: VA contracts an exam vendor and sends you appointment notice
Attend C&P exam
Bring your full evidence package; describe symptoms on your worst days, not your best
Decision & rating notice
Month 3–6: Decision letter with rating percentage and effective date
First payment & retro back pay
Within 15 days of decision; retroactive to claim date (or effective date if earlier)
Timeline varies by case complexity and VA regional office workload. Some claims resolve faster; others take longer.
Important Considerations
MST direct SC pathway has relaxed evidentiary standards
Per § 3.304(f)(5), corroborating evidence supports SC for MST residuals. File aggressively.
Lichen sclerosus carries elevated vulvar SCC risk
~5% lifetime risk. Lifelong surveillance required. File DC 7627 if SCC develops.
Stack PTSD + DC 7611 vaginal for comprehensive MST file
MST residuals frequently affect multiple anatomic sites + mental health.
Request female C&P examiner if preferred
VA must accommodate reasonable preference, especially for MST and vulvar exams.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions are covered under DC 7610?
DC 7610 is the catch-all rating for vulvar / clitoral pathology — lichen sclerosus (chronic autoimmune vulvar condition), vulvodynia (chronic vulvar pain syndrome), chronic vulvovaginitis (recurrent vulvar/vaginal inflammation), vulvar atrophy when symptomatic, post-traumatic / post-surgical vulvar conditions, MST-related vulvar injury. The 2018 § 4.116 restructure expanded the heading to explicitly include clitoral pathology and vulvovaginitis.
Can I file lichen sclerosus as service-connected?
Yes — lichen sclerosus rates under DC 7610. SC pathways: direct (in-service onset documented), presumptive (under chronic disease frameworks if applicable), secondary (to autoimmune conditions or other SC conditions), or via toxic exposure / chemical exposure frameworks. Lichen sclerosus requires lifelong topical corticosteroid management, anchoring 10% minimum; refractoriness or progressive scarring anchors 30%.
How is vulvodynia rated?
Vulvodynia (chronic vulvar pain syndrome lasting 3+ months without identifiable cause) is rated under DC 7610 by analogy. Treatment-refractory vulvodynia despite topical lidocaine, pelvic floor PT, tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin anchors 30% under the 'symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment' tier. Document treatment escalation + failure history. Vulvodynia is increasingly recognized as a service-connectable condition for female veterans.
Can I file vulvar injury as direct SC from MST?
Yes — military sexual trauma residuals including vulvar injury, scarring, chronic pain rate as direct service connection under DC 7610. MST claims have relaxed evidentiary standards per 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5): corroborating evidence supports service connection without requiring contemporaneous in-service medical documentation. Stack with PTSD (DC 9411) for comprehensive MST file.
What's the elevated SCC risk for lichen sclerosus?
Lichen sclerosus carries an approximately 5% lifetime risk of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Lifelong gynecologic surveillance is required — annual exams + biopsy of any suspicious lesions. If vulvar SCC develops, file under DC 7627 (gynecologic malignant neoplasm) — 100% during active disease + 6-month post-treatment tail. This is a separate rating from the DC 7610 lichen sclerosus rating.
Official Regulatory Source
Vulva or clitoris, disease or injury of (including vulvovaginitis) rates under 38 CFR § 4.116, DC 7610 — 0/10/30% under General Rating Formula for Disease/Injury/Adhesions of Female Reproductive Organs.
38 CFR § 4.116 — Gynecological Conditions and Disorders of the Breast (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 7610. 2018 restructure expanded heading to include clitoris + vulvovaginitis. MST direct SC pathway per 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5). Stack with DC 7611 (vagina), DC 7627 (vulvar SCC if lichen sclerosus transforms), DC 9411 (PTSD MST stressor).
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7610, compare your current symptoms and documentation against the criteria above. Consider:
- Requesting a copy of your rating decision and C&P exam report from the VA
- Gathering all relevant medical records (VA and private providers)
- Documenting functional limitations and how they impact work and daily activities
- Obtaining a nexus letter if needed to establish or strengthen service connection
- Filing for secondary conditions that may be related to this primary condition
- Contacting a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney to review your file
This is general educational information only — not legal or medical advice.
Also: DC code lookup (tools) lists the same index in a compact layout.
Source: 38 CFR Part 4, Diagnostic Code 7610 • va.gov
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.