38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.116
Uterus Disease Or Injury
dc-7613-uterus-disease-or-injury
Gynecological / breast
Diagnostic code
7613
Why your DC matters: DC 7613 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 7613 — Uterus 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 (7613) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7613”. 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 7613 (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 7613 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7613 covers uterine disease, injury, or adhesions of the uterus that does NOT meet the threshold for hysterectomy (which rates separately under DC 7617 or 7618). Examples: chronic uterine adhesions (Asherman's syndrome), adenomyosis, chronic endometritis, uterine fibroids causing symptoms, post-surgical uterine adhesions, MST-related uterine injury, post-cesarean adhesive disease, intrauterine scarring. 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 post-MST uterine injury / chronic pelvic infection sequelae; (2) chronic adhesive disease as direct secondary to in-service abdominal/pelvic surgery; (3) symptomatic fibroids that don't yet warrant hysterectomy still rate under DC 7613 when treatment is required. Female veteran-specific content is underserved on most VA disability resources — file 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 (GnRH agonists, hormonal suppression, repeated D&C for adhesions, etc.); symptom diary. |
| 10% | Symptoms requiring continuous treatment. | Prescription history showing continuous hormonal treatment, scheduled hysteroscopic adhesiolysis follow-up, ongoing pelvic pain regimen; gynecology follow-up notes. |
| 0% | Symptoms not requiring continuous treatment. | Diagnosis documented but symptoms manageable with episodic care or surveillance only. |
What Qualifies Under DC 7613?
Uterine disease, injury, or adhesions short of hysterectomy
Asherman's syndrome (intrauterine adhesions), adenomyosis, chronic endometritis, symptomatic fibroids, post-surgical adhesive disease, MST-related uterine injury, chronic post-PID uterine sequelae.
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)
Post-MST uterine injury and chronic post-MST PID sequelae rate as direct service connection. Relaxed evidentiary standards.
Transition to DC 7617/7618 if hysterectomy performed
DC 7613 covers uterine pathology short of hysterectomy. If hysterectomy is performed, file under DC 7618 (uterus only) or DC 7617 (uterus + both ovaries) + SMC-K for loss of creative organ.
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 uterine pathology despite ongoing treatment regimen. Examples: persistent uterine adhesions causing pain or infertility despite repeat adhesiolysis; refractory adenomyosis pain despite hormonal suppression; chronic endometritis refractory to long-term antibiotics.
“Symptoms requiring continuous treatment”
10% gate. Continuous treatment = ongoing prescription regimen: hormonal suppression (GnRH agonists, progestin IUD, continuous OCPs), scheduled hysteroscopic surveillance, ongoing analgesic regimen for pelvic pain.
“MST-related uterine injury or chronic post-MST pelvic infection sequelae”
MST residuals including direct uterine injury and chronic post-MST PID sequelae rate under DC 7613. Direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5) with relaxed evidentiary standards. Stack with DC 9411 PTSD.
“If hysterectomy performed, rate under DC 7618 (uterus only) or DC 7617 (uterus + both ovaries)”
DC 7613 covers uterine disease/injury short of hysterectomy. Once hysterectomy is performed, the rating moves to DC 7618 (3 months 100% → 30%) or DC 7617 (3 months 100% → 50%) and SMC-K for loss of creative organ applies.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Gynecology consult documenting uterine disease, injury, or adhesions
CRITICALAnchor diagnosis. Pelvic exam, transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy if applicable, MRI for adenomyosis. Etiology documented.
Treatment regimen documentation — continuous vs. episodic
CRITICALDrives 0% vs. 10% gate. Hormonal suppression, repeat adhesiolysis, analgesic regimen all qualify as continuous when long-term.
Symptom diary — pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, dyspareunia, infertility
CRITICALDocuments functional impact and refractoriness.
Etiology documentation — surgical, infectious, MST-related, post-radiation
CRITICALEstablishes SC pathway. Post-surgical adhesions = direct secondary to in-service procedure if SC. MST = direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5).
Surgical records (if applicable) — D&C, myomectomy, hysteroscopic adhesiolysis
IMPORTANTAnchors post-surgical adhesive disease pathway and treatment-refractoriness documentation.
MST documentation if applicable
IMPORTANTRestricted/unrestricted report, mental health records, lay statements. Relaxed evidentiary standards per § 3.304(f)(5).
C&P Exam Tips
Bring gynecology consult + imaging (TVUS, MRI, hysteroscopy reports)
Anchors diagnosis. Adenomyosis is best visualized on MRI; adhesions on hysteroscopy.
Request a female C&P examiner if preferred (especially for MST claims)
VA must accommodate reasonable preference.
Document refractoriness explicitly — 'symptoms not controlled by treatment'
Anchors 30% gate.
Don't minimize MST-related uterine pathology
MST residuals including post-MST PID sequelae and direct uterine injury are rateable under DC 7613.
Don't conflate with hysterectomy outcome — DC 7613 is pre-hysterectomy
Once hysterectomy is performed, file under DC 7617 or 7618.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Not filing chronic uterine conditions short of hysterectomy
Symptomatic fibroids, adenomyosis, chronic adhesions, chronic endometritis all rate under DC 7613 even if hysterectomy hasn't been performed. Don't wait until surgery to file.
Not pursuing MST-related uterine pathology as direct SC
MST residuals including post-MST PID sequelae and direct uterine injury rate under DC 7613. Relaxed evidentiary standards per § 3.304(f)(5).
Not pursuing post-surgical adhesive disease as direct secondary
Uterine adhesions (Asherman's, post-cesarean) commonly develop after gynecologic surgery. If predicate procedure was for SC condition or in-service, adhesions are direct secondary.
Settling for 0% with continuous treatment
Continuous hormonal suppression or repeated adhesiolysis anchors 10% minimum.
Missing the transition to DC 7617/7618 after hysterectomy
If hysterectomy is later performed, file new claim under DC 7618 (uterus only) or DC 7617 (uterus + both ovaries) — these grant 3 months 100% + SMC-K for loss of creative organ.
Tactical Plays
⚡ File MST-related uterine pathology as direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5)
MST residuals including post-MST PID sequelae, direct uterine injury, chronic endometritis rate under DC 7613 as direct service connection. MST claims have relaxed evidentiary standards per 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5) — corroborating evidence supports SC without requiring contemporaneous in-service medical documentation. Stack with DC 9411 PTSD.
⚡ Anchor 10% with continuous treatment regimen documentation
Continuous hormonal suppression (GnRH agonists, progestin IUD, continuous OCPs), scheduled hysteroscopic surveillance, ongoing analgesic regimen for chronic pelvic pain all qualify as continuous treatment. Pharmacy printout + gynecology follow-up notes anchor 10%.
⚡ Pursue post-surgical adhesive disease as direct secondary
Uterine adhesions (Asherman's syndrome, post-cesarean adhesions) commonly develop after gynecologic surgery. If the predicate procedure was for SC condition or occurred in service, adhesions are direct secondary. Hysteroscopy reports anchor the diagnosis.
⚡ File symptomatic fibroids / adenomyosis under DC 7613 — don't wait for hysterectomy
Symptomatic uterine fibroids causing pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or dysmenorrhea + adenomyosis with refractory pain all rate under DC 7613 even without hysterectomy. File now; if hysterectomy later occurs, transition to DC 7617/7618 + SMC-K.
⚡ Audit infertility as functional consequence + mental health secondary
Uterine adhesions, chronic endometritis, severe adenomyosis cause infertility. The functional consequence is part of the DC 7613 rating; the psychological impact (depression, MDD) is a separate secondary rating under DC 9434.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
PTSD secondary to MST
STRONGDC 9411
MST residuals stack physical (DC 7613 uterine, DC 7611 vaginal, DC 7610 vulvar) + mental health (DC 9411). Each rates separately.
Infertility secondary to uterine disease
STRONGUterine adhesions, chronic endometritis, severe adenomyosis cause infertility. Functional consequence is part of DC 7613 rating + drives mental health secondaries.
Major depressive disorder secondary to chronic gynecologic condition + infertility
STRONGDC 9434
Chronic pelvic pain + infertility + treatment burden drive depression. Well-documented secondary.
Hysterectomy as future endpoint — file under DC 7617 or 7618 when performed
SITUATIONALIf uterine pathology progresses to hysterectomy, file new claim under DC 7618 (uterus only, 3mo 100% → 30%) or DC 7617 (uterus + both ovaries, 3mo 100% → 50%) + SMC-K for loss of creative organ.
Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
MODERATEPelvic pain often persists despite hormonal suppression. Functional component rated under DC 7613; analog ratings may apply for unrelated pain generators.
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 (hormonal suppression, scheduled hysteroscopic follow-up, ongoing pelvic pain regimen).
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment (refractory adhesions, refractory adenomyosis, refractory chronic endometritis).
30% DC 7613 uterine + 70% DC 9411 PTSD MST (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
🩺What is Asherman's Syndrome?
Intrauterine adhesions (synechiae) that develop after uterine surgery (D&C, myomectomy, cesarean), severe pelvic infection, or chronic endometritis. Symptoms include amenorrhea or hypomenorrhea, recurrent miscarriage, infertility, cyclic pelvic pain. Diagnosed by hysteroscopy. Treated by hysteroscopic adhesiolysis; severe cases require multiple procedures. Rates under DC 7613.
🌹What is Adenomyosis?
Endometrial tissue invading the uterine wall (myometrium), causing diffuse uterine enlargement, dysmenorrhea (severe period pain), menorrhagia (heavy bleeding), and chronic pelvic pain. Best visualized on MRI. Treated with hormonal suppression (continuous OCPs, progestin IUD, GnRH agonists) or, when refractory, hysterectomy. Rates under DC 7613 short of hysterectomy.
🪖How does MST affect this rating?
MST residuals including direct uterine injury, post-MST PID sequelae, and chronic uterine adhesions from MST-related infection rate as direct service connection under DC 7613. Relaxed evidentiary standards per § 3.304(f)(5): corroborating evidence (behavioral change records, lay statements, mental health treatment) supports service connection. Stack with DC 9411 PTSD with MST stressor.
🔄When does the rating transition to DC 7617 or 7618?
DC 7613 covers uterine disease/injury short of hysterectomy. Once hysterectomy is performed, the rating transitions: DC 7618 if uterus only is removed (3 months 100% → 30%), DC 7617 if uterus + both ovaries are removed (3 months 100% → 50%). Both also qualify for SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) for loss of creative organ ($139.87/mo).
How to File Your Claim
Identify etiology + SC pathway
MST direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5), post-surgical adhesions secondary to SC predicate, in-service injury direct SC.
Get gynecology consult + imaging (TVUS, MRI, hysteroscopy)
Anchors diagnosis. Adenomyosis = MRI; adhesions = hysteroscopy; fibroids = TVUS.
Build symptom diary + treatment-refractoriness documentation
Pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, dyspareunia, infertility. Document treatment failures for 30% refractory gate.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'uterus, disease, injury, or adhesions of (DC 7613)'
Identify specific condition in claim narrative (adenomyosis, Asherman's, chronic endometritis, etc.).
Stack PTSD (DC 9411) + transition to DC 7617/7618 if hysterectomy performed
MST file stacks multiple DCs. If hysterectomy later occurs, file new claim under DC 7617 or 7618 + SMC-K.
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.
File symptomatic uterine pathology even short of hysterectomy
Don't wait for hysterectomy. Symptomatic fibroids, adenomyosis, chronic adhesions all rate under DC 7613.
Transition to DC 7617/7618 + SMC-K if hysterectomy performed
Hysterectomy moves the rating + adds SMC-K for loss of creative organ ($139.87/mo).
Request female C&P examiner if preferred
VA must accommodate reasonable preference.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does DC 7613 cover?
DC 7613 covers uterine disease, injury, or adhesions short of hysterectomy: Asherman's syndrome (intrauterine adhesions), adenomyosis, chronic endometritis, symptomatic uterine fibroids causing pelvic pain or bleeding, post-surgical adhesive disease, MST-related uterine injury, chronic post-PID uterine sequelae. The General Rating Formula for Female Reproductive Organs applies: 0/10/30% based on treatment requirement + control.
Can I file MST-related uterine pathology as direct service connection?
Yes — MST residuals including direct uterine injury and chronic post-MST PID sequelae rate as direct service connection under DC 7613. MST claims have relaxed evidentiary standards per 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5): corroborating evidence (behavioral change records, lay statements, mental health treatment) supports service connection without requiring contemporaneous in-service medical documentation. Stack with DC 9411 PTSD with MST stressor.
Should I wait until hysterectomy to file?
No — file now. Symptomatic uterine pathology short of hysterectomy rates under DC 7613. If hysterectomy is later performed, file a new claim under DC 7617 (uterus + both ovaries removed) or DC 7618 (uterus only removed) — these grant 3 months 100% + post-3-month tier (50% or 30%) + SMC-K for loss of creative organ ($139.87/mo).
What anchors the 30% refractory gate?
Symptoms NOT controlled by continuous treatment — the treatment regimen is ongoing but symptoms persist or progress. Examples: persistent intrauterine adhesions causing pain/infertility despite repeated hysteroscopic adhesiolysis; refractory adenomyosis pain despite hormonal suppression (continuous OCPs, GnRH agonists); refractory chronic endometritis despite long-term antibiotic therapy. Document refractoriness explicitly in gynecology consults.
Does symptomatic fibroids count under DC 7613?
Yes — symptomatic uterine fibroids causing pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding (menorrhagia, metrorrhagia), or dysmenorrhea requiring treatment rate under DC 7613. Hormonal suppression, hysteroscopic myomectomy, or uterine artery embolization all count as ongoing treatment. Asymptomatic fibroids found incidentally don't typically rate. File when treatment is required.
Official Regulatory Source
Uterus, disease, injury, or adhesions of rates under 38 CFR § 4.116, DC 7613 — 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 7613. Compare DC 7617 (uterus + both ovaries removed), DC 7618 (uterus only removed). MST direct SC per 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(5). Stack with DC 9411 (PTSD MST stressor) for comprehensive MST file.
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7613, 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 7613 • 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.