38 CFR Part 4 — 38 CFR § 4.116
Uterus Removal
dc-7618-uterus-removal
Gynecological / breast
Diagnostic code
7618
Why your DC matters: DC 7618 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 7618 — Uterus 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 (7618) in the correct body-system subpart, or use Find in Page (Ctrl+F / ⌘F) for “7618”. 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 7618 (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 7618 in the subpart for your body system (use Find in Page if needed).
DC 7618 covers hysterectomy with ovary preservation (uterus + corpus removed, ovaries left in place). The rating mechanic is fixed: 100% for three months following removal, then 30% thereafter (permanent). Per VA M21-1, hysterectomy ALSO qualifies for SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) for loss of creative organ — additional $139.87/mo on top of the 30% schedular rating. SC pathways: (1) hysterectomy for SC condition (fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, abnormal bleeding) = direct secondary; (2) MST-related pelvic pathology requiring hysterectomy = direct SC under § 3.304(f)(5); (3) hysterectomy as treatment for SC gynecologic cancer (DC 7627) = direct secondary. Critical distinction from DC 7617: DC 7618 = uterus only (ovaries preserved, no surgical menopause). DC 7617 = uterus + both ovaries (surgical menopause). The preservation of ovaries means natural ovarian function continues, sparing the patient surgical menopause symptoms — but uterine loss + permanent loss of fertility still qualifies for SMC-K. Many female veterans miss the SMC-K claim entirely.
Rating Tiers — What Each Percentage Requires
| Rating | What It Takes | Evidence That Supports It |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | First three months following removal of uterus. | Operative report documenting hysterectomy (total abdominal, laparoscopic, robotic, vaginal, supracervical — all qualify); pathology report; discharge summary. |
| 30% | Thereafter (permanent). | Operative report + post-3-month milestone. Permanent rating — does not reduce with time. |
What Qualifies Under DC 7618?
Hysterectomy (uterus including corpus removed, ovaries preserved)
Total abdominal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, robotic hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy, supracervical hysterectomy — all qualify. Ovaries preserved (not removed). If bilateral oophorectomy was also performed, file DC 7617 instead.
Fixed rating ladder — 100% × 3 months → 30% permanent
Per § 4.116:
- • 100% — First 3 months following removal
- • 30% — Thereafter (permanent)
SMC-K for loss of creative organ (38 USC § 1114(k))
Additional $139.87/mo on top of 30% schedular. Per VA M21-1, hysterectomy qualifies as loss of creative organ even when ovaries are preserved. File explicitly.
SC pathways — fibroids/adenomyosis/endometriosis/cancer/MST
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 removal of uterus”
Automatic 100% for 3 months from date of surgery. Pull operative report + pathology to anchor surgery date and confirm uterus only (not bilateral oophorectomy, which would be DC 7617).
“Thereafter, removal of uterus — permanent disability”
After 3 months, 30% is the permanent rating. Don't accept reductions — uterine loss + permanent loss of fertility is recognized as permanent.
“Loss of creative organ — hysterectomy (per 38 USC § 1114(k) and 38 CFR § 3.350(a))”
DC 7618 also qualifies for SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) — additional $139.87/mo on top of the 30% schedular rating. Per VA M21-1, hysterectomy qualifies as loss of creative organ even when ovaries are preserved. File for SMC-K explicitly.
“Hysterectomy alone (ovaries preserved) vs. hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy”
DC 7618 = uterus only (30% post-3-month). DC 7617 = uterus + both ovaries (50% post-3-month). Match operative report — bilateral oophorectomy raises tier to 50% + adds surgical menopause secondaries.
Evidence Checklist — Specific to This Condition
Operative report documenting hysterectomy
CRITICALAnchor surgery date. Must document uterus removal (corpus included per code title). Confirm ovaries preserved (not removed) — if bilateral oophorectomy was also performed, file DC 7617 instead.
Pathology report from surgery
CRITICALDocuments indication (fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, cancer, MST-related, abnormal bleeding, etc.).
Predicate SC condition documentation
CRITICALIf surgery was treatment for SC condition (severe DC 7613 uterine adhesions/adenomyosis, DC 7629 endometriosis, DC 7627 gynecologic cancer, MST pathology under § 3.304(f)(5)), document the predicate SC.
Post-operative follow-up records
IMPORTANTDocuments post-surgical recovery and any complications (adhesions, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, urinary symptoms).
Mental health treatment records (if applicable)
IMPORTANTPermanent loss of fertility + body image changes commonly drive depression / anxiety secondaries.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring operative report + pathology report — anchor surgery date + uterus-only nature
Confirms DC 7618 vs. DC 7617 (bilateral oophorectomy).
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).
Request a female C&P examiner if preferred (especially for MST-predicate claims)
VA must accommodate reasonable preference.
Document any post-surgical complications
Adhesions, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, urinary symptoms — drive secondary stacks.
Don't let VA reduce 30% — it's a permanent rating
Post-3-month 30% under DC 7618 is recognized as permanent disability.
Common Mistakes That Cost Veterans Points
Not filing SMC-K for loss of creative organ
Hysterectomy qualifies for SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) per VA M21-1 even when ovaries are preserved — additional $139.87/mo on top of 30% schedular. Many female veterans miss this entirely. File explicitly.
Filing under DC 7618 when bilateral oophorectomy was also performed
If both ovaries were removed in the same surgery, file under DC 7617 (3mo 100% → 50% + SMC-K + surgical menopause secondaries). Match the operative report's surgical anatomy.
Not pursuing predicate SC pathway
Hysterectomy is performed for an indication. If predicate is SC (fibroids causing severe bleeding, adenomyosis, endometriosis, cancer, MST pathology), surgery + post-surgical disability is direct secondary.
Not stacking post-surgical complications as secondaries
Adhesive disease, chronic pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, urinary symptoms (especially post-hysterectomy stress urinary incontinence) — all rateable secondaries.
Accepting a reduction after the post-3-month milestone
Post-3-month 30% is permanent. Uterine loss + permanent loss of fertility is recognized as permanent disability.
Tactical Plays
⚡ File SMC-K explicitly for loss of creative organ — $139.87/mo on top of 30%
Hysterectomy qualifies for SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) and 38 CFR § 3.350(a) per VA M21-1 — even when ovaries are preserved. This is an ADDITIONAL $139.87/mo on top of the 30% schedular rating. Many female veterans miss this entirely. File explicitly in claim narrative, citing 38 USC § 1114(k).
⚡ Anchor automatic 100% for 3 months → permanent 30% thereafter
DC 7618 grants automatic 100% for the first 3 months following surgery, then automatic 30% permanent thereafter. No need to argue symptoms — the surgical anatomy is the rating. Pull operative report; the date of surgery anchors the 3-month milestone.
⚡ Pursue predicate SC pathway — fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, cancer, MST
Hysterectomy is performed for an indication. If the predicate is SC: severe DC 7613 uterine pathology (adenomyosis, fibroids, Asherman's), DC 7629 endometriosis, DC 7627 gynecologic cancer, MST-related pelvic pathology (§ 3.304(f)(5)) — the surgery + post-surgical disability is direct secondary. Anchor the SC pathway.
⚡ Build post-hysterectomy complication file — incontinence, pelvic pain, dyspareunia, MDD
Hysterectomy commonly leaves: stress urinary incontinence (pelvic floor disruption — rates under § 4.115a voiding dysfunction), pelvic adhesions / chronic pelvic pain, vaginal apex scarring causing dyspareunia (DC 7611 by analogy), depression / MDD secondary to permanent loss of fertility (DC 9434). Build the comprehensive file.
⚡ Distinguish DC 7618 from DC 7617 — bilateral oophorectomy raises the tier and adds surgical menopause
DC 7618 = uterus only (30% post-3-month, no surgical menopause). DC 7617 = uterus + both ovaries (50% post-3-month + SMC-K stacks + surgical menopause secondaries: osteoporosis, vasomotor symptoms, vaginal atrophy). Match the operative report carefully — if both ovaries were also removed, file under DC 7617 instead.
Secondary Conditions to File With This One
SMC-K loss of creative organ (38 USC § 1114(k))
STRONGHysterectomy qualifies for SMC-K per VA M21-1 even when ovaries are preserved — additional $139.87/mo on top of 30% schedular. File explicitly.
Major depressive disorder secondary to permanent loss of fertility + body image changes
STRONGDC 9434
Permanent loss of fertility + body image changes drive depression. Well-documented secondary, especially for veterans who hadn't completed family planning.
PTSD secondary to MST (if predicate was MST-related)
STRONGDC 9411
If hysterectomy was performed for severe MST-related pelvic pathology, stack with DC 9411 PTSD with MST stressor.
Pelvic adhesions / chronic pelvic pain (post-surgical)
MODERATEHysterectomy commonly leaves post-surgical adhesions causing chronic pelvic pain. Rates under analog code.
Stress urinary incontinence (post-hysterectomy)
STRONGHysterectomy disrupts pelvic floor support, commonly causing stress urinary incontinence. Rates under § 4.115a voiding dysfunction.
Sexual dysfunction / dyspareunia (vaginal apex scarring, pelvic floor disruption)
MODERATEVaginal apex scarring + pelvic floor disruption from hysterectomy may cause dyspareunia. Rates under DC 7611 by analogy.
Predicate SC condition — fibroids/adenomyosis (DC 7613), endometriosis (DC 7629), gyn cancer (DC 7627), 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))
Hysterectomy under DC 7618 qualifies as loss of creative organ per VA M21-1 and 38 USC § 1114(k) — even when ovaries are preserved. Adds $139.87/mo (2026 rate) on top of the 30% 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.
30% permanent (post-3-month) — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
TOTAL
$552.47/mo
Permanent rating after 3-month milestone.
30% + SMC-K (loss of creative organ) — single, no dependents
Base rating
$552.47
SMC-K
+$139.87
TOTAL
$692.34/mo
SMC-K stacks on top of the 30% schedular.
30% DC 7618 + 30% DC 9434 MDD + 20% stress urinary incontinence + SMC-K
Base rating
$1,435.02
SMC-K
+$139.87
TOTAL
$1,574.89/mo
Post-hysterectomy complications 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 7618 = uterus removal only, ovaries preserved (3mo 100% → 30% + SMC-K for loss of creative organ). DC 7617 = uterus + both ovaries removed (3mo 100% → 50% + SMC-K + surgical menopause secondaries). The bilateral oophorectomy in DC 7617 raises the post-3-month tier from 30% to 50% AND triggers surgical menopause (osteoporosis, vasomotor symptoms). 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 7618, the basis is 'loss of creative organ' (hysterectomy per VA M21-1 — qualifies even when ovaries are preserved). SMC-K adds $139.87/mo (2026 rate) on top of the 30% schedular rating. File explicitly in claim narrative: 'I am claiming SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) for loss of creative organ due to hysterectomy.' Cite the operative report.
♾️Why is the post-3-month 30% permanent?
Removal of uterus = irreversible anatomical loss + permanent loss of fertility. The rating recognizes this as permanent. Unlike conditions that may improve with treatment, uterine loss is permanent — push back on any reduction proposal.
🔗What post-hysterectomy complications should I track?
Common post-hysterectomy complications: stress urinary incontinence (pelvic floor disruption — rates under § 4.115a voiding dysfunction), pelvic adhesions / chronic pelvic pain, vaginal apex scarring causing dyspareunia (DC 7611 by analogy), depression / MDD secondary to permanent loss of fertility (DC 9434). Each rates separately. Build the comprehensive secondary file.
How to File Your Claim
Pull operative report + pathology + predicate SC documentation
Anchors surgery date + uterus-only nature + indication.
File 21-526EZ specifying DC 7618 + explicit SMC-K claim
Claim narrative: 'DC 7618 hysterectomy + SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) for loss of creative organ.'
Anchor automatic 100% × 3 months + permanent 30% thereafter
No need to argue symptoms for schedular; surgery date drives milestone.
File predicate SC condition separately if applicable
If surgery was for SC fibroids/adenomyosis (DC 7613), endometriosis (DC 7629), cancer (DC 7627), MST pathology — file predicate separately.
Build post-hysterectomy complication file — incontinence, pelvic pain, MDD
Stress urinary incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, depression — 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 SMC-K explicitly — $139.87/mo for loss of creative organ
Per 38 USC § 1114(k) and VA M21-1 — qualifies even when ovaries are preserved. Many female veterans miss this.
Post-3-month 30% is permanent disability
Don't accept reductions. Uterine loss + permanent loss of fertility is recognized as permanent.
DC 7618 vs. DC 7617 — match operative report carefully
If both ovaries were removed, file DC 7617 (50% + surgical menopause secondaries).
Build post-hysterectomy complication file — incontinence, pain, MDD
Common secondaries are frequently underclaimed.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the rating for hysterectomy with ovaries preserved?
DC 7618 grants automatic 100% for the first 3 months following surgery, then automatic 30% permanent thereafter. The hysterectomy 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 30% schedular. Total: 30% schedular + SMC-K ≈ $692/mo for a single veteran with no dependents.
Do I get SMC-K if my ovaries weren't removed?
Yes — per VA M21-1, hysterectomy qualifies as loss of creative organ under 38 USC § 1114(k) even when ovaries are preserved. The uterus itself is the creative organ. File explicitly in your claim narrative: 'I am claiming SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) for loss of creative organ due to hysterectomy.' Cite the operative report. Don't assume the rater will add it automatically.
Can the 30% rating be reduced after a few years?
No — post-3-month 30% under DC 7618 is recognized as permanent disability. Removal of uterus is irreversible anatomical loss + permanent loss of fertility. Push back on any reduction proposal.
If hysterectomy was for service-connected fibroids or endometriosis, what else can I file?
File the predicate SC condition separately: DC 7613 (uterine fibroids/adenomyosis), DC 7629 (endometriosis), DC 7627 (gynecologic cancer if applicable). The surgery + post-surgical DC 7618 rating is direct secondary to the predicate SC. Also build post-hysterectomy complication secondaries: stress urinary incontinence, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia (DC 7611 by analogy), depression / MDD (DC 9434).
What if both ovaries were also removed?
If bilateral oophorectomy was performed in the same surgery as the hysterectomy, file under DC 7617 instead — that grants 3 months 100% → 50% permanent (not 30%) + SMC-K + surgical menopause secondaries (osteoporosis, vasomotor symptoms, vaginal atrophy, increased cardiovascular risk). Match the operative report carefully. The bilateral oophorectomy is what raises the rating to 50% AND triggers surgical menopause.
Official Regulatory Source
Removal of uterus (hysterectomy with ovaries preserved) rates under 38 CFR § 4.116, DC 7618 — automatic 100% × 3 months → permanent 30% 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 7618. Compare DC 7617 (uterus + both ovaries — 50% post-3-month + surgical menopause). SMC-K under 38 USC § 1114(k) and 38 CFR § 3.350(a). Predicate SC: DC 7613, DC 7629, DC 7627, MST § 3.304(f)(5).
Next Steps
If your rating decision lists DC 7618, 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 7618 • 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.