38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.116
Uterus And Both Ovaries Removal
dc-7617-uterus-and-both-ovaries-removal
Gynecological / breast
Diagnostic code
7617
Why your DC matters: DC 7617 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 7617 — Uterus And Both Ovaries Removal — 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 (7617) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7617”. 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 7617 (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 7617 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7617 covers complete removal of the uterus AND both ovaries (hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). The rating mechanic is fixed: 100% for three months following removal, then 50% thereafter (permanent). Critically, this surgery ALSO qualifies for SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) for loss of creative organ — additional $139.87/mo on top of the schedular rating. Per VA M21-1, hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy qualifies as loss of creative organ (paired). SC pathways: (1) hysterectomy + bilateral oophorectomy as treatment for SC gynecologic cancer (DC 7627) = direct secondary; (2) for severe MST-related pelvic pathology requiring surgical management = direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5); (3) for severe SC endometriosis (DC 7629) requiring definitive surgery = direct secondary; (4) for SC ovarian failure / BRCA prophylactic surgery = secondary lane. The post-3-month 50% is permanent — surgical menopause and complete loss of ovarian + uterine function is recognized as permanent disability. Stack with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) requirements, bone health (osteoporosis) secondaries, and any predicate SC condition.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | First three months following complete removal of uterus and both ovaries. | Operative report documenting hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy; pathology report; discharge summary. |
| 50% | Thereafter (permanent). | Operative report + post-3-month milestone. Permanent rating — does not reduce with time. |
What Qualifies Under DC 7617?
Complete removal of uterus AND both ovaries
Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (total abdominal, laparoscopic, robotic, vaginal — all qualify). Must be BOTH ovaries (bilateral). Unilateral oophorectomy + hysterectomy = DC 7618 + DC 7619 separately. Cervix removal status (total vs. supracervical) does not change the rating.
Fixed rating ladder — 100% × 3 months → 50% permanent
Per § 4.116:
- • 100% — First 3 months following removal
- • 50% — Thereafter (permanent)
SMC-K for loss of creative organ (38 USC § 1114(k))
Additional $139.87/mo on top of 50% schedular. Per VA M21-1, hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy qualifies as loss of creative organ. File explicitly.
SC pathways — cancer, severe endometriosis, MST, BRCA
Surgery is typically performed for an indication. If predicate is SC, surgery + post-surgical disability is 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.
“First three months following complete removal of uterus and both ovaries”
Automatic 100% for 3 months from date of surgery. Pull operative report + pathology to anchor surgery date and the bilateral nature (both ovaries removed, not unilateral).
“Thereafter, complete removal of uterus and both ovaries — permanent disability”
After 3 months, 50% is the permanent rating. Surgical menopause + complete loss of uterine + ovarian function is recognized as permanent. Don't accept reductions.
“Loss of creative organ — bilateral oophorectomy (per 38 USC § 1114(k) and 38 CFR § 3.350(a))”
DC 7617 also qualifies for SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) — additional $139.87/mo on top of the 50% schedular rating. Per VA M21-1, hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy is loss of creative organ. File for SMC-K explicitly — many veterans miss this.
“Surgical menopause requiring HRT + accelerated bone loss + mental health impact”
Bilateral oophorectomy = abrupt surgical menopause (estrogen loss). HRT requirement + osteoporosis risk + depression / anxiety / sexual dysfunction are all rateable secondaries. Build the comprehensive file.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Operative report documenting hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
CRITICALAnchor surgery date + bilateral nature. Must document removal of uterus AND both ovaries (not unilateral oophorectomy, which would be DC 7619 + DC 7618).
Pathology report from surgery
CRITICALDocuments indication (cancer, severe endometriosis, MST-related, prophylactic, etc.) and confirms anatomy removed.
Predicate SC condition documentation
CRITICALIf surgery was treatment for SC condition (gynecologic cancer per DC 7627, severe endometriosis per DC 7629, MST-related pathology, BRCA-positive prophylactic), document the predicate SC.
Post-operative HRT records (if applicable)
IMPORTANTSurgical menopause requires HRT until natural age of menopause (~51) for bone, cardiovascular, and quality-of-life protection. Documents secondary lanes.
DEXA scan for bone density (post-op)
IMPORTANTSurgical menopause accelerates bone loss. DEXA T-score documents osteoporosis secondary.
Mental health treatment records (if applicable)
IMPORTANTSurgical menopause + permanent loss of fertility + body image changes commonly drive depression / anxiety secondaries.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring operative report + pathology report + post-3-month milestone documentation
Anchors automatic 100% for 3 months → permanent 50% thereafter.
File SMC-K explicitly — loss of creative organ
Don't assume the rater will add SMC-K automatically. File explicitly under 38 USC § 1114(k) for loss of creative organ.
Request a female C&P examiner if preferred (especially for MST-predicate claims)
VA must accommodate reasonable preference.
Document surgical menopause symptoms + HRT regimen
Hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, sleep disturbance, mood changes — all relevant to secondary stack.
Don't let VA reduce 50% — it's a permanent rating
Post-3-month 50% is recognized as permanent disability. Push back on any reduction proposal.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Not filing SMC-K for loss of creative organ
Bilateral oophorectomy qualifies for SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) per VA M21-1 — additional $139.87/mo on top of schedular. Many veterans miss this entirely. File explicitly.
Filing under DC 7618 instead of DC 7617
DC 7618 = uterus removal only (3mo 100% → 30%). DC 7617 = uterus + both ovaries (3mo 100% → 50% + SMC-K). The bilateral oophorectomy moves the schedular rating from 30% to 50% AND adds SMC-K. Match the surgical anatomy to the correct code.
Not pursuing surgical menopause secondaries
Bilateral oophorectomy = abrupt surgical menopause. Accelerated osteoporosis (DEXA), depression/anxiety, sexual dysfunction, HRT-related issues all rate separately.
Not anchoring the SC pathway for the predicate condition
Hysterectomy + bilateral oophorectomy is usually performed for an indication (gynecologic cancer, severe endometriosis, MST-related pathology, BRCA-positive prophylactic, fibroids with complications). If the predicate is SC, the surgery + post-surgical disability is direct secondary.
Accepting a reduction after the post-3-month milestone
Post-3-month 50% is permanent. Surgical menopause + complete loss of uterine + ovarian function is recognized as permanent disability.
Tactical Plays
⚡ File SMC-K explicitly for loss of creative organ — $139.87/mo on top of 50%
Bilateral oophorectomy qualifies for SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) and 38 CFR § 3.350(a). Per VA M21-1, hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy is loss of creative organ. This is an ADDITIONAL $139.87/mo on top of the 50% schedular rating — many veterans miss this entirely. File explicitly in your claim narrative, citing 38 USC § 1114(k).
⚡ Anchor automatic 100% for 3 months → permanent 50% thereafter
DC 7617 grants automatic 100% for the first 3 months following surgery, then automatic 50% permanent thereafter. No need to argue symptoms — the surgical anatomy is the rating. Pull operative report + pathology report; the date of surgery anchors the 3-month milestone.
⚡ Pursue predicate SC pathway — cancer, endometriosis, MST, BRCA
Hysterectomy + bilateral oophorectomy is performed for an indication. If the predicate is SC: gynecologic cancer (DC 7627), severe endometriosis (DC 7629), MST-related pelvic pathology (§ 3.304(f)(5)), BRCA-positive prophylactic surgery after SC cancer diagnosis — the surgery + post-surgical disability is direct secondary. Anchor the SC pathway.
⚡ Build the surgical menopause secondary file — osteoporosis, MDD, sexual dysfunction
Bilateral oophorectomy = abrupt surgical menopause (estrogen loss). Major secondaries: osteoporosis (DEXA T-score), depression / anxiety (DC 9434, 9400), vaginal atrophy / dyspareunia (DC 7611 by analogy), vasomotor symptoms (analog ratings). Each rates separately. Build the comprehensive file.
⚡ Don't accept post-3-month reductions — 50% is permanent
Post-3-month 50% under DC 7617 is recognized as permanent disability — surgical menopause + complete loss of uterine + ovarian function. Push back on any reduction proposal.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
SMC-K loss of creative organ (38 USC § 1114(k))
STRONGBilateral oophorectomy qualifies for SMC-K per VA M21-1 — additional $139.87/mo on top of 50% schedular. File explicitly.
Osteoporosis secondary to surgical menopause
STRONGAbrupt estrogen loss → accelerated bone loss. Document with DEXA T-score ≤ -2.5. Rates by analogy under appropriate musculoskeletal DC.
Major depressive disorder secondary to surgical menopause + loss of fertility
STRONGDC 9434
Hormonal changes + permanent loss of fertility + body image changes drive depression. Well-documented secondary.
PTSD secondary to MST (if predicate was MST-related)
STRONGDC 9411
If hysterectomy + bilateral oophorectomy was performed for severe MST-related pelvic pathology, stack with DC 9411 PTSD with MST stressor.
Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, sleep disturbance)
MODERATESurgical menopause causes severe vasomotor symptoms often refractory to HRT. May rate analogously.
Sexual dysfunction / dyspareunia (vaginal atrophy from estrogen loss)
MODERATEEstrogen loss → vaginal atrophy → dyspareunia. May rate under DC 7611 (vagina, disease or injury of) separately.
Cardiovascular disease secondary to early surgical menopause
SITUATIONALEarly surgical menopause increases cardiovascular risk. If CAD or other cardiac disease develops, document as secondary to surgical menopause if surgery was for SC condition.
Predicate SC condition — gynecologic cancer (DC 7627), severe endometriosis (DC 7629), MST pathology
STRONGIf surgery was for SC predicate, the predicate continues to rate (or rates by post-treatment residual schedule).
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K (loss of creative organ))
Bilateral oophorectomy under DC 7617 qualifies as loss of creative organ per VA M21-1 and 38 USC § 1114(k). Adds $139.87/mo (2026 rate) on top of the 50% schedular rating. File explicitly in claim narrative.
SMC-K (loss of creative organ) monthly add-on
+$139.87
Added on top of your schedular rating.
Higher SMC tiers (L+) require additional qualifying disabilities. SMC-S may apply if total combined disability is 100% + a separate 60%+ disability. Stack with other SMCs where eligible.
Compensation Scenarios
2026 rates (effective Dec 1, 2025, per va.gov)
100% × 3 months (post-op) — single, no dependents
Base rating
$3,938.58
TOTAL
$3,938.58/mo
Automatic 100% for first 3 months following surgery.
50% permanent (post-3-month) — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,132.90
TOTAL
$1,132.90/mo
Permanent rating after 3-month milestone.
50% + SMC-K (loss of creative organ) — single, no dependents
Base rating
$1,132.90
SMC-K
+$139.87
TOTAL
$1,272.77/mo
SMC-K stacks on top of the 50% schedular.
50% DC 7617 + 30% DC 9434 MDD + 10% osteoporosis + SMC-K (comprehensive post-surgery file)
Base rating
$1,808.45
SMC-K
+$139.87
TOTAL
$1,948.32/mo
Surgical menopause secondaries stack.
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's the difference between DC 7617 and DC 7618?
DC 7617 = complete removal of uterus AND both ovaries (3mo 100% → 50% + SMC-K for loss of creative organ). DC 7618 = uterus removal only, ovaries preserved (3mo 100% → 30%). The bilateral oophorectomy raises the post-3-month tier from 30% to 50% AND adds SMC-K. Match the operative report's surgical anatomy to the correct code.
💰What is SMC-K and how do I file?
Special Monthly Compensation tier K is statutory specific-loss compensation under 38 USC § 1114(k). For DC 7617, the basis is 'loss of creative organ' (bilateral oophorectomy per VA M21-1). SMC-K adds $139.87/mo (2026 rate) on top of the 50% schedular rating. File explicitly in claim narrative: 'I am claiming SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) for loss of creative organ due to bilateral oophorectomy.' Cite the operative report.
🌙What is surgical menopause?
Abrupt menopause caused by bilateral oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries) — distinct from natural menopause which is gradual. Estrogen drops rapidly (within days), causing severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbance), vaginal atrophy, mood changes, accelerated osteoporosis, increased cardiovascular risk. HRT typically prescribed until natural age of menopause (~51) for protection. Major secondary file driver for DC 7617.
♾️Why is the post-3-month 50% permanent?
Complete removal of uterus + both ovaries = irreversible anatomical loss + permanent endocrine + reproductive disability. The rating recognizes this as a permanent condition. Unlike conditions that may improve with treatment, surgical menopause + total reproductive loss is permanent. Push back on any reduction proposal.
How to File Your Claim
Pull operative report + pathology + predicate SC documentation
Anchors surgery date + bilateral nature + indication. Predicate SC condition (cancer, endometriosis, MST, BRCA) drives the SC pathway.
File 21-526EZ specifying DC 7617 + explicit SMC-K claim
Claim narrative: 'DC 7617 hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy + SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) for loss of creative organ.'
Anchor automatic 100% × 3 months + permanent 50% thereafter
No need to argue symptoms for schedular; surgery date drives milestone.
File predicate SC condition separately if applicable
If surgery was for SC cancer (DC 7627), severe endometriosis (DC 7629), MST pathology — file predicate separately.
Build surgical menopause secondary file — osteoporosis, MDD, sexual dysfunction, vasomotor
Multiple secondaries common. DEXA scan, mental health records, gynecology follow-up.
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 SMC-K explicitly — $139.87/mo for loss of creative organ
Per 38 USC § 1114(k) and VA M21-1. Many veterans miss this — file explicitly in claim narrative.
Post-3-month 50% is permanent disability
Don't accept reductions. Surgical menopause + total reproductive loss is recognized as permanent.
Build surgical menopause secondary file aggressively
Osteoporosis (DEXA), depression/anxiety, sexual dysfunction, vasomotor symptoms — each rates separately.
Anchor predicate SC pathway — cancer, endometriosis, MST, BRCA
Surgery is performed for an indication. If predicate is SC, surgery is direct secondary.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the rating for hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy?
DC 7617 grants automatic 100% for the first 3 months following surgery, then automatic 50% permanent thereafter. The bilateral oophorectomy ALSO qualifies for SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) for loss of creative organ — an additional $139.87/mo (2026 rate) on top of the 50% schedular. Total: 50% schedular + SMC-K = ~$1,273/mo for a single veteran with no dependents.
Do I need to file separately for SMC-K?
Yes — file explicitly in your claim narrative: 'I am claiming SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) for loss of creative organ due to bilateral oophorectomy.' Cite the operative report and pathology. Don't assume the rater will add SMC-K automatically — many veterans miss this entirely. SMC-K stacks on top of the 50% schedular rating.
Can the 50% rating be reduced after a few years?
No — post-3-month 50% under DC 7617 is recognized as permanent disability. Complete removal of uterus + both ovaries is irreversible anatomical loss + permanent endocrine + reproductive disability. Push back on any reduction proposal.
If hysterectomy + bilateral oophorectomy was for service-connected cancer, what else can I file?
File the predicate SC cancer separately (e.g., DC 7627 for gynecologic malignancy — 100% during active disease + 6-month post-treatment tail, then residuals). The surgery + post-surgical DC 7617 rating is direct secondary to the SC cancer. Also build surgical menopause secondaries: osteoporosis (DEXA), depression/MDD (DC 9434), sexual dysfunction (DC 7611 by analogy), vasomotor symptoms.
What if only one ovary was removed (not both)?
If unilateral oophorectomy + hysterectomy was performed, file under DC 7618 (uterus removal only, 3mo 100% → 30%) + DC 7619 (single ovary removal — not yet in this catalog) separately. DC 7617 specifically requires removal of BOTH ovaries. Match the operative report's surgical anatomy to the correct code. Bilateral oophorectomy is what raises the rating to 50% AND adds SMC-K.
Official Regulatory Source
Complete removal of uterus AND both ovaries rates under 38 CFR § 4.116, DC 7617 — automatic 100% × 3 months → permanent 50% thereafter. SMC-K for loss of creative organ under 38 USC § 1114(k) per VA M21-1.
38 CFR § 4.116 — Gynecological Conditions and Disorders of the Breast (eCFR) →Scroll to DC 7617. Compare DC 7618 (uterus only removal — 30% post-3-month, no SMC-K). SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) and 38 CFR § 3.350(a). Predicate SC: DC 7627 (gyn cancer), DC 7629 (endometriosis), MST § 3.304(f)(5).
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7617, 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 7617 • 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.