38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.116
Ovary Disease Or Injury
dc-7615-ovary-disease-or-injury
Gynecological / breast
Diagnostic code
7615
Why your DC matters: DC 7615 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 7615 — Ovary 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 (7615) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7615”. 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 7615 (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 7615 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7615 covers ovarian disease, injury, or adhesions short of bilateral oophorectomy (which combined with hysterectomy rates under DC 7617). Examples: ovarian cysts (chronic / recurrent), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) when documented as ovarian pathology, chronic oophoritis, tubo-ovarian abscess sequelae affecting ovary, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), endometrioma, post-surgical ovarian adhesions, MST-related ovarian injury, ovarian dysfunction affecting the menstrual cycle. Per § 4.116, ovarian disease/injury/adhesions resulting in ovarian dysfunction affecting the menstrual cycle are explicitly rated under DC 7615. General Rating Formula applies: 0% (symptoms not requiring continuous treatment), 10% (symptoms requiring continuous treatment), 30% (symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment). Critical lanes: (1) MST-related ovarian injury direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5); (2) PCOS with infertility / menstrual dysfunction; (3) premature ovarian insufficiency from chemotherapy for SC cancer; (4) chronic endometrioma / functional ovarian cysts requiring ongoing hormonal suppression. Note: single ovary removal (without uterus) rates under DC 7619 (ovary removal, not in this catalog yet); bilateral oophorectomy combined with hysterectomy = DC 7617.
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 ovarian pathology despite ongoing treatment (continuous hormonal suppression, repeated cystectomy, refractory PCOS / POI symptoms); pelvic imaging; symptom diary. |
| 10% | Symptoms requiring continuous treatment. | Prescription history showing continuous treatment (continuous OCPs for cyst suppression, hormonal therapy for PCOS, hormone replacement for POI, GnRH agonists for endometrioma); 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 7615?
Ovarian disease, injury, or adhesions short of bilateral oophorectomy
Ovarian cysts (chronic/recurrent), PCOS, chronic oophoritis, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), endometrioma, post-surgical ovarian adhesions, MST-related ovarian injury, post-chemotherapy ovarian failure, ovarian dysfunction affecting menstrual cycle.
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
Ovarian dysfunction affecting menstrual cycle explicitly DC 7615
Per § 4.116 note, ovarian disease/injury/adhesions causing menstrual cycle dysfunction is explicitly DC 7615. PCOS, POI, post-chemo ovarian failure all qualify.
MST + post-chemotherapy SC pathways
MST-related ovarian injury direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5). Chemotherapy-induced POI from SC cancer = direct secondary.
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 ovarian pathology despite ongoing treatment regimen. Examples: recurrent ovarian cysts despite continuous OCP suppression; refractory PCOS with persistent metabolic / menstrual symptoms despite hormonal therapy; premature ovarian insufficiency with refractory hot flashes / GU atrophy despite HRT; chronic endometrioma with persistent pain despite GnRH agonists.
“Symptoms requiring continuous treatment”
10% gate. Continuous treatment = ongoing prescription regimen: continuous OCPs for cyst suppression, ongoing hormonal therapy for PCOS, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for POI, GnRH agonists for endometrioma.
“Ovarian dysfunction affecting the menstrual cycle is explicitly rated under DC 7615”
Per § 4.116 note, ovarian disease/injury/adhesions causing menstrual cycle dysfunction is explicitly DC 7615 — not a generic 'endocrine' rating. PCOS, POI, ovarian failure post-chemotherapy all fall here when ovary is the primary affected organ.
“MST-related ovarian injury and post-MST tubo-ovarian abscess sequelae”
MST residuals including direct ovarian injury and post-MST tubo-ovarian pathology rate under DC 7615. 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 ovarian disease, injury, adhesions, or dysfunction
CRITICALAnchor diagnosis. Pelvic exam, transvaginal ultrasound (cysts, polycystic morphology), hormonal labs (FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH for ovarian reserve), AMH for POI.
Treatment regimen documentation — continuous vs. episodic
CRITICALContinuous OCPs for cyst suppression, hormonal therapy for PCOS, HRT for POI, GnRH agonists for endometrioma all qualify as continuous.
Symptom diary — pelvic pain, menstrual irregularity, hot flashes (POI), metabolic symptoms (PCOS), infertility
CRITICALDocuments functional impact and refractoriness.
Hormonal labs — FSH, LH, estradiol, AMH, testosterone (PCOS), TSH (rule-out)
CRITICALAnchors POI (FSH > 25-40 IU/L with low AMH), PCOS (elevated LH:FSH, hyperandrogenism), ovarian reserve.
Pelvic imaging — TVUS showing cysts, polycystic morphology, endometrioma; MRI if complex
IMPORTANTVisual documentation of ovarian pathology.
Etiology documentation — chemotherapy for SC cancer (POI), MST-related, post-surgical, idiopathic
IMPORTANTEstablishes SC pathway.
MST documentation if applicable
IMPORTANTRestricted/unrestricted report, mental health records, lay statements.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring gynecology consult + hormonal labs + treatment regimen documentation
Hormonal labs anchor POI / PCOS / ovarian function status.
Request a female C&P examiner if preferred
VA must accommodate reasonable preference, especially for gynecologic exams.
Document refractoriness explicitly + recurrent cyst episodes / persistent menstrual dysfunction
Anchors 30% gate.
Document POI from chemotherapy for SC cancer as direct secondary
Chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure is well-documented; if predicate cancer is SC, POI is direct secondary.
Don't accept 0% with continuous hormonal therapy
Continuous OCPs, HRT for POI, GnRH agonists for endometrioma all anchor 10% minimum.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Filing PCOS as endocrine only (missing DC 7615)
PCOS with ovarian dysfunction affecting menstrual cycle is explicitly DC 7615 per the § 4.116 note. May also stack with endocrine codes if metabolic syndrome features predominate, but the primary ovarian pathology rates under 7615.
Not filing premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) post-chemotherapy
Chemotherapy for SC cancer commonly causes POI. Direct secondary under DC 7615 with HRT requirement anchoring 10% minimum; refractory symptoms anchor 30%.
Not pursuing MST-related ovarian pathology as direct SC
MST residuals including direct ovarian injury and post-MST tubo-ovarian abscess sequelae rate under DC 7615. Relaxed evidentiary standards per § 3.304(f)(5).
Settling for 0% with continuous hormonal therapy
Continuous OCPs for cyst suppression, HRT for POI, GnRH agonists for endometrioma all anchor 10% minimum.
Conflating single ovary removal with DC 7615
DC 7615 covers ovarian disease/injury/adhesions short of removal. Single ovary removal rates under DC 7619; bilateral oophorectomy + hysterectomy rates under DC 7617.
Tactical Plays
⚡ File MST-related ovarian pathology as direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5)
MST residuals including direct ovarian injury, post-MST tubo-ovarian abscess sequelae, ovarian dysfunction from MST-related pelvic infection rate under DC 7615 as direct service connection. Relaxed evidentiary standards. Stack with DC 9411 PTSD and other physical residuals (DC 7614 tubal, DC 7613 uterine, DC 7611 vaginal, DC 7610 vulvar).
⚡ Pursue chemotherapy-induced POI as direct secondary to SC cancer
Chemotherapy for SC cancer (especially alkylating agents — cyclophosphamide, etc.) commonly causes premature ovarian insufficiency. Diagnosed by FSH > 25-40 IU/L + low AMH + cessation of menses. HRT requirement anchors 10% minimum; refractory hot flashes or GU atrophy despite HRT anchor 30%. Major functional consequence.
⚡ File PCOS under DC 7615 (not just endocrine)
PCOS with ovarian dysfunction affecting menstrual cycle is explicitly DC 7615 per the § 4.116 note. Anchor with TVUS showing polycystic morphology + hormonal labs (elevated LH:FSH, hyperandrogenism). Continuous hormonal therapy anchors 10%; refractory metabolic / menstrual / infertility symptoms anchor 30%. May also stack with endocrine codes (DC 7913 if T2DM develops).
⚡ Anchor POI bone health secondary — osteoporosis from early estrogen loss
POI causes early estrogen deficiency → accelerated bone loss → osteoporosis. Document with DEXA scan (T-score ≤ -2.5 = osteoporosis). Rates separately under appropriate musculoskeletal DC by analogy. Often-missed secondary.
⚡ Audit infertility as functional consequence + mental health secondary
PCOS, POI, severe endometrioma all cause infertility. The functional consequence is part of DC 7615 rating; the psychological impact (depression, MDD) is a separate DC 9434 secondary. Stack both.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
PTSD secondary to MST
STRONGDC 9411
MST residuals stack physical (DC 7615 ovarian, DC 7614 tubal, DC 7613 uterine) + mental health (DC 9411).
Infertility secondary to ovarian pathology
STRONGPCOS, POI, severe endometrioma, post-MST ovarian damage cause infertility. Major functional consequence; drives mental health secondaries.
Major depressive disorder secondary to chronic gynecologic condition + infertility
STRONGDC 9434
Chronic pelvic pain, hormonal symptoms, infertility, premature menopause drive depression.
Osteoporosis secondary to POI
STRONGPOI causes early estrogen deficiency → accelerated bone loss. Document with DEXA scan. May rate separately under appropriate musculoskeletal DC by analogy.
Metabolic syndrome / cardiovascular risk (PCOS)
MODERATEPCOS associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, accelerated cardiovascular risk. Document metabolic comorbidities for secondary claims.
Endometriosis (DC 7629)
MODERATEDC 7629
Endometrioma is the ovarian manifestation of endometriosis; if systemic endometriosis is also documented (laparoscopy-proven), DC 7629 rates separately.
Diabetes mellitus type 2 (PCOS-associated)
MODERATEDC 7913
PCOS strongly associated with T2DM. If diabetes develops, file as secondary to SC PCOS.
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 (continuous OCPs for cyst suppression, HRT for POI, hormonal therapy for PCOS, GnRH agonists for endometrioma).
30% — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment (recurrent cysts despite OCPs, refractory POI symptoms despite HRT, refractory PCOS infertility / metabolic syndrome, chronic endometrioma pain despite GnRH agonists).
30% DC 7615 ovarian + 30% DC 7629 endometriosis + 70% DC 9411 PTSD MST
Base rating
$2,362.30
TOTAL
$2,362.30/mo
Endometrioma is the ovarian manifestation of systemic endometriosis — file each separately if both documented.
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 Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)?
Loss of normal ovarian function before age 40. Diagnosed by FSH > 25-40 IU/L on 2+ occasions, low AMH, and cessation of menses. Causes: idiopathic (most common), chemotherapy / radiation, autoimmune, genetic (Turner, fragile X), surgical (bilateral oophorectomy = surgical menopause). Symptoms: hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, sleep disturbance, mood changes, infertility, accelerated osteoporosis risk. Treated with HRT until natural age of menopause (~51). Rates under DC 7615.
🔄What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound. Rotterdam criteria: 2 of 3 = PCOS. Symptoms: irregular or absent menses, hirsutism, acne, infertility, metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, T2DM risk, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular risk). Treated with combined OCPs, anti-androgens, metformin, ovulation induction for infertility. Rates under DC 7615 (ovarian dysfunction note) and may stack with endocrine secondaries (DC 7913 if T2DM develops).
🪖How does MST affect ovarian ratings?
MST residuals can include direct ovarian injury, post-MST tubo-ovarian abscess sequelae causing chronic oophoritis or ovarian adhesions, and ovarian dysfunction from MST-related pelvic infection. Direct SC under DC 7615 with relaxed evidentiary standards per § 3.304(f)(5). Stack with DC 9411 PTSD with MST stressor.
🔄When does the rating transition to DC 7617 or 7619?
DC 7615 covers ovarian disease/injury/adhesions short of removal. If single ovary is removed (e.g., for cyst, torsion, mass), file under DC 7619 (ovary removal — not yet in this catalog). If bilateral oophorectomy + hysterectomy is performed (typically for cancer or severe endometriosis), file under DC 7617 (uterus + both ovaries removed, 3 months 100% → 50%) + SMC-K for loss of creative organ.
How to File Your Claim
Identify etiology + SC pathway
MST direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5), chemotherapy-induced POI secondary to SC cancer, PCOS as direct SC if in-service onset documented.
Get gynecology consult + hormonal labs + imaging
FSH/LH/estradiol/AMH for POI; TVUS for cysts and polycystic morphology; MRI for complex adnexal mass.
Build symptom diary + treatment-refractoriness documentation
Pelvic pain, menstrual irregularity, hot flashes (POI), metabolic symptoms (PCOS), infertility.
File 21-526EZ specifying 'ovary, disease, injury, or adhesions of (DC 7615)'
Identify specific condition in claim narrative (PCOS, POI, recurrent cysts, endometrioma, etc.).
Stack secondaries — DC 7629 endometriosis, DC 9434 MDD, DC 7913 T2DM (PCOS), osteoporosis (POI)
Multiple secondaries common.
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
Ovarian dysfunction affecting menstrual cycle is explicitly DC 7615
Per § 4.116 note. PCOS, POI, post-chemo ovarian failure all qualify.
Chemotherapy-induced POI from SC cancer = direct secondary
Alkylating chemo for SC cancer commonly causes POI. File under DC 7615.
MST direct SC pathway has relaxed evidentiary standards
Per § 3.304(f)(5), corroborating evidence supports SC.
POI accelerates osteoporosis risk — audit DEXA + secondary file
Early estrogen loss → accelerated bone loss. Often-missed secondary.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PCOS rate under DC 7615?
Yes — PCOS with ovarian dysfunction affecting menstrual cycle is explicitly DC 7615 per the § 4.116 note. Anchor with TVUS showing polycystic ovarian morphology + hormonal labs (elevated LH:FSH ratio, hyperandrogenism). Continuous hormonal therapy (OCPs, anti-androgens) anchors 10%; refractory metabolic, menstrual, or infertility symptoms anchor 30%. PCOS may also stack with endocrine secondaries (DC 7913 if T2DM develops).
Can I file premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) from chemotherapy?
Yes — chemotherapy for SC cancer (especially alkylating agents like cyclophosphamide) commonly causes POI. Diagnosed by FSH > 25-40 IU/L + low AMH + cessation of menses before age 40. HRT requirement anchors 10% minimum; refractory hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, or sleep disturbance despite HRT anchor 30%. POI is direct secondary to the SC cancer + chemotherapy regimen. Audit osteoporosis secondary (DEXA scan).
What anchors the 30% refractory gate?
Symptoms NOT controlled by continuous treatment. Examples: recurrent ovarian cysts despite continuous OCP suppression; refractory PCOS with persistent metabolic / menstrual / infertility symptoms despite hormonal therapy; POI with refractory hot flashes / vaginal atrophy despite HRT; chronic endometrioma with persistent pelvic pain despite GnRH agonists.
Can MST cause ovarian pathology rateable under DC 7615?
Yes — MST residuals can include direct ovarian injury and post-MST tubo-ovarian abscess sequelae causing chronic oophoritis or ovarian adhesions. Direct SC under DC 7615 per § 3.304(f)(5) with relaxed evidentiary standards. Stack with DC 9411 PTSD with MST stressor and other physical residuals.
How does single ovary removal differ from DC 7615?
DC 7615 covers ovarian disease/injury/adhesions short of removal. Single ovary removal (e.g., for cyst, torsion, mass) rates under DC 7619 (ovary removal — separate code). Bilateral oophorectomy + hysterectomy rates under DC 7617 (3 months 100% → 50%) + SMC-K for loss of creative organ. Bilateral oophorectomy alone (without hysterectomy) rates under DC 7619 with surgical menopause / POI implications.
Official Regulatory Source
Ovary, disease, injury, or adhesions of rates under 38 CFR § 4.116, DC 7615 — 0/10/30% under General Rating Formula for Disease/Injury/Adhesions of Female Reproductive Organs. Note: ovarian dysfunction affecting menstrual cycle explicitly DC 7615.
38 CFR § 4.116 — Gynecological Conditions and Disorders of the Breast (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 7615. Compare DC 7617 (uterus + both ovaries removed), DC 7619 (single ovary removal), DC 7629 (endometriosis — separate code for systemic disease). MST direct SC per § 3.304(f)(5).
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7615, 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 7615 • 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.