38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.116
Vagina Disease Or Injury
dc-7611-vagina-disease-or-injury
Gynecological / breast
Diagnostic code
7611
Why your DC matters: DC 7611 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 7611 — Vagina Disease Or Injury — 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 (7611) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7611”. 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 7611 (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 7611 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7611 is the catch-all rating for vaginal disease or injury — including vaginal stricture (post-surgical, post-radiation, post-traumatic), vaginitis (chronic), vaginal atrophy when symptomatic, and other vaginal pathology not covered by more specific codes. Per § 4.116 General Rating Formula for Disease, Injury, or Adhesions of Female Reproductive Organs, rated by symptom-management framework: 0% (symptoms not requiring continuous treatment), 10% (symptoms that require continuous treatment), 30% (symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment). Critical lanes for female veterans: (1) DIRECT — in-service trauma, in-service vaginal surgery, in-service infection; (2) SECONDARY — to MST / PTSD (DC 9411), to gynecologic surgery for SC condition, to pelvic radiation for SC cancer; (3) MST-related — military sexual trauma residuals frequently underclaimed. Note: the schedule was significantly restructured in 2018 — DC 7621 (formerly vaginal stricture) was reassigned to 'pelvic organ prolapse,' so vaginal stricture now rates under DC 7611's general rubric. Female veteran-specific content is underserved on most VA disability resources — file these claims aggressively.
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 (topical estrogen, dilator therapy, surgical revision, etc.); symptom diary. |
| 10% | Symptoms that require continuous treatment. | Prescription history showing continuous treatment (topical estrogen, vaginal dilator regimen, recurrent antifungal/antibiotic, etc.); 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 7611?
Vaginal disease or injury (including stricture)
Catch-all rating for vaginal pathology not covered by more specific codes. Includes: vaginal stricture (post-surgical, post-radiation, post-traumatic, post-MST), chronic vaginitis, vaginal atrophy when symptomatic, MST-related vaginal injury, post-surgical vaginal scarring, other vaginal disease/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 vaginal injury rate as direct service connection under DC 7611. Relaxed evidentiary standards — corroborating evidence (behavioral change records, lay statements, mental health records) supports SC.
Secondary pathways — post-surgical, post-radiation, post-IBD
Vaginal stricture commonly develops after gynecologic surgery, pelvic radiation for SC cancer, or IBD perineal complications. Direct secondary if predicate is SC.
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 vaginal stricture despite dilator therapy and topical estrogen; chronic vaginitis refractory to long-term antimicrobials; severe dyspareunia or apareunia (inability to have intercourse) despite treatment.
“Symptoms requiring continuous treatment”
10% gate. Continuous treatment = ongoing prescription regimen, not episodic. Topical estrogen for atrophy, scheduled vaginal dilator therapy, recurrent antifungal or antibiotic prophylaxis. 'Continuous' means at least months-long, not days-long.
“Military sexual trauma residuals — vaginal injury, scarring, chronic vaginitis”
MST is direct service connection for resulting physical conditions including vaginal injury, scarring, chronic pelvic pain. PTSD (DC 9411) often rates separately as the mental health component. Build the file aggressively — MST claims are notoriously underclaimed.
“Secondary to SC gynecologic surgery / pelvic radiation / IBD perianal disease”
Vaginal stricture commonly develops after gynecologic surgery (hysterectomy, oophorectomy, pelvic floor repair), pelvic radiation for cancer, or as IBD perianal/perineal complication. If predicate is SC, vaginal pathology is direct secondary.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Gynecology consult documenting vaginal disease or injury
CRITICALAnchor diagnosis. Pelvic exam, speculum exam, possibly vaginal manometry or imaging. Etiology documented.
Treatment regimen documentation — continuous vs. episodic
CRITICALDrives the 0% vs. 10% gate. Continuous treatment (topical estrogen, dilator regimen, recurrent antimicrobial prophylaxis) anchors 10%.
Symptom diary — dyspareunia, vaginal pain, discharge, bleeding, urinary symptoms
CRITICALDocuments functional impact and refractoriness to treatment.
Etiology documentation — surgical, radiation, traumatic, infectious, MST-related
CRITICALEstablishes SC pathway. MST is direct SC for resulting vaginal pathology.
MST documentation if applicable — restricted/unrestricted report, mental health treatment records, lay statements
CRITICALMST claims have relaxed evidentiary standards (38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5)) — corroborating evidence like changes in behavior, medical records, lay statements support the SC pathway.
Surgical or radiation records (if applicable)
IMPORTANTHysterectomy, oophorectomy, pelvic floor repair, pelvic radiation. Anchors post-surgical/post-radiation pathway.
Mental health treatment records (if PTSD/MDD secondary)
IMPORTANTDocuments secondary mental health impact, often substantial for MST-related claims.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring gynecology consult + treatment regimen documentation
Anchors diagnosis + 10% vs. 30% gate. Continuous treatment requirement.
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.
Don't minimize MST-related symptoms
MST residuals are frequently underclaimed due to stigma. The schedule recognizes the disability. Bring corroborating documentation (mental health records, behavioral change records, lay statements).
Don't accept generic 'no rating' if continuous treatment is required
Continuous treatment requirement anchors 10% minimum. Push back on 0% determinations.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Filing under DC 7621 thinking it's still vaginal stricture
The 2018 § 4.116 restructure reassigned DC 7621 to 'complete or incomplete pelvic organ prolapse.' Vaginal stricture no longer has a dedicated DC — it rates under DC 7611's general 'vagina, disease or injury of' rubric. File under DC 7611 specifically.
Not pursuing MST-related vaginal pathology as direct SC
Military sexual trauma residuals including vaginal injury, chronic vaginitis, post-traumatic stricture are direct service connection under DC 7611. MST claims have relaxed evidentiary standards per 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5). File aggressively.
Not pursuing post-surgical / post-radiation secondaries
Vaginal stricture commonly develops after gynecologic surgery (hysterectomy, oophorectomy, pelvic floor repair) or pelvic radiation for SC cancer. Direct secondary pathway.
Settling for 0% with continuous treatment
Continuous treatment requirement (topical estrogen, dilator regimen, recurrent antimicrobial) anchors 10% minimum. Don't accept 0% if you're on ongoing treatment.
Not stacking PTSD (DC 9411) for MST-related claims
MST residuals stack across multiple DCs: physical (DC 7611), mental health (DC 9411 PTSD), other related conditions. Each rates separately.
Tactical Plays
⚡ File MST-related vaginal pathology as direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5)
Military sexual trauma residuals including vaginal injury, scarring, chronic vaginitis, dyspareunia rate under DC 7611 as direct service connection. MST claims have relaxed evidentiary standards per 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5) — corroborating evidence like changes in behavior, medical records around the event, lay statements, mental health treatment records all support SC. Restricted or unrestricted MST reports support the claim. File aggressively — MST claims are notoriously underclaimed due to stigma.
⚡ Stack PTSD (DC 9411) for MST-related claims
MST residuals stack physical + mental health. DC 7611 captures vaginal pathology; DC 9411 captures PTSD with MST stressor. Each rates separately. Many veterans file only the PTSD piece and miss the physical residual rating entirely. Build the comprehensive file.
⚡ Pursue post-surgical / post-radiation secondaries
Vaginal stricture commonly develops after gynecologic surgery (hysterectomy, oophorectomy, pelvic floor repair) or pelvic radiation for SC cancer. If predicate is SC, vaginal pathology is direct secondary. Build the file: gynecology consult + treatment regimen + symptom documentation.
⚡ Anchor continuous treatment for 10% minimum, refractoriness for 30%
DC 7611 is symptom-driven: 0% (episodic), 10% (continuous treatment required), 30% (symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment). Topical estrogen for vaginal atrophy, scheduled dilator therapy, recurrent antimicrobial prophylaxis all qualify as continuous treatment. Document refractoriness (failed treatment escalation) for 30%.
⚡ Request female C&P examiner if preferred (especially for MST claims)
VA must accommodate reasonable preferences for examiner gender, especially for sensitive gynecologic 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 for these conditions.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
PTSD secondary to MST
STRONGDC 9411
MST residuals stack mental health (DC 9411 PTSD with MST stressor) + physical (DC 7611 vaginal pathology, DC 7610 vulvar pathology, etc.). Each rates separately.
Major depressive disorder secondary to chronic gynecologic condition
STRONGDC 9434
Chronic vaginal pathology + dyspareunia + intimate relationship impact drive depression. Well-documented secondary.
Urinary tract infections / chronic UTI
MODERATEDC various § 4.115
Vaginal pathology + altered anatomy commonly cause recurrent UTIs. Rates under genitourinary codes.
Dyspareunia / sexual dysfunction
STRONGFunctional sexual dysfunction is a rateable component of DC 7611 itself + intimate relationship impact contributes to mental health secondaries.
Pelvic floor dysfunction
MODERATEPost-surgical, post-radiation, or post-traumatic pelvic floor dysfunction may rate under analog codes.
Underlying gynecologic surgery or radiation for SC cancer
STRONGIf predicate gynecologic procedure or radiation for SC cancer (e.g., DC 7627 gynecologic malignant neoplasm) caused the vaginal pathology, direct secondary.
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 (topical estrogen, dilator regimen, etc.).
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment.
30% DC 7611 vaginal injury + 70% DC 9411 PTSD MST (stacked MST file)
Base rating
$2,102.15
TOTAL
$2,102.15/mo
MST claim stacks 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
🔄Why doesn't DC 7621 cover vaginal stricture anymore?
The 2018 § 4.116 restructure (effective April 9, 2018) reassigned DC 7621 from 'vaginal stricture' to 'complete or incomplete pelvic organ prolapse due to injury, disease, or surgical complications of pregnancy.' Vaginal stricture now rates under DC 7611's general 'vagina, disease or injury of' rubric. Older guidance still referencing DC 7621 for vaginal stricture is outdated.
🪖What is MST and how does it affect this rating?
Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. MST residuals can include vaginal injury, scarring, chronic vaginitis, dyspareunia, and post-traumatic conditions — all rateable under DC 7611. 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.
💊What counts as 'continuous treatment' for the 10% gate?
Continuous treatment means ongoing prescription regimen, not episodic. Examples: topical estrogen cream/tablets for vaginal atrophy (multiple times weekly long-term), scheduled vaginal dilator therapy (daily or several times weekly), recurrent antimicrobial prophylaxis for chronic vaginitis, ongoing physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction. 'Continuous' means at least months-long, not days-long.
💯What anchors the 30% refractory gate?
Symptoms NOT controlled by continuous treatment — meaning the treatment regimen is ongoing but symptoms persist or progress. Examples: persistent vaginal stricture causing dyspareunia or apareunia despite dilator therapy and topical estrogen; chronic vaginitis refractory to long-term antimicrobials; persistent vaginal pain or bleeding despite treatment escalation. Document refractoriness explicitly in gynecology consults.
How to File Your Claim
Identify etiology + SC pathway
MST direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5), post-surgical/post-radiation secondary to SC predicate, in-service injury direct SC.
Get gynecology consult documenting vaginal disease or injury + treatment regimen
Anchors diagnosis + 10% vs. 30% gate.
Build symptom diary + treatment-refractoriness documentation
Dyspareunia, pain, discharge, bleeding, urinary symptoms. Document treatment failures for 30% refractory gate.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'vagina, disease or injury of (DC 7611)' — NOT DC 7621
DC 7621 is now pelvic organ prolapse per 2018 restructure. File under DC 7611 for vaginal stricture, vaginitis, MST residuals.
Stack PTSD (DC 9411) + other MST residuals if applicable
MST file stacks physical + mental health DCs. Each rates separately.
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
File under DC 7611, NOT DC 7621 — 2018 restructure
DC 7621 was reassigned to pelvic organ prolapse in 2018. Vaginal stricture now rates under DC 7611.
MST direct SC pathway has relaxed evidentiary standards
Per § 3.304(f)(5), corroborating evidence supports SC for MST residuals. File aggressively.
Stack PTSD (DC 9411) for MST-related claims
MST file stacks physical (DC 7611) + mental health (DC 9411). Each rates separately.
Request female C&P examiner if preferred
VA must accommodate reasonable preference, especially for MST claims.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Doesn't DC 7621 cover vaginal stricture?
No — not anymore. The 2018 § 4.116 restructure (effective April 9, 2018) reassigned DC 7621 from 'vaginal stricture' to 'complete or incomplete pelvic organ prolapse due to injury, disease, or surgical complications of pregnancy.' Vaginal stricture now rates under DC 7611's general 'vagina, disease or injury of' rubric. Older guidance still referencing DC 7621 for vaginal stricture is outdated — file under DC 7611.
Can I file vaginal injury as a direct service connection from MST?
Yes — military sexual trauma (MST) residuals including vaginal injury, scarring, chronic vaginitis, dyspareunia rate as direct service connection under DC 7611. MST claims have relaxed evidentiary standards per 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5): corroborating evidence like changes in behavior, medical records around the event, lay statements, mental health treatment records all support service connection without requiring contemporaneous in-service medical documentation. File aggressively.
Should I file both DC 7611 and PTSD (DC 9411) for MST?
Yes — MST residuals stack physical + mental health components. DC 7611 captures vaginal pathology (stricture, scarring, chronic vaginitis, dyspareunia). DC 9411 captures PTSD with MST stressor. Each rates under its own DC with its own tier criteria. Many veterans file only the PTSD piece and miss the physical residual rating entirely. Build the comprehensive file.
What treatment qualifies for the 10% 'continuous treatment' gate?
Continuous treatment means ongoing prescription regimen, not episodic: topical estrogen cream/tablets for vaginal atrophy (multiple times weekly long-term), scheduled vaginal dilator therapy (daily or several times weekly), recurrent antimicrobial prophylaxis for chronic vaginitis, ongoing physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction. 'Continuous' means at least months-long, not days-long. Pharmacy records and gynecology follow-up notes anchor this.
Can I request a female C&P examiner?
Yes — VA must accommodate reasonable preferences for examiner gender, especially for sensitive gynecologic 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 for these conditions. Document the request in writing.
Official Regulatory Source
Vagina, disease or injury of (including vaginal stricture) rates under 38 CFR § 4.116, DC 7611 — 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 7611. Note 2018 restructure: DC 7621 reassigned to pelvic organ prolapse. MST direct SC pathway per 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5). Stack with DC 7610 (vulva/clitoris), DC 9411 (PTSD MST stressor) for comprehensive MST file.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7611, 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 7611 • 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.