Bladder Stones (Calculus) — VA Disability Rating (DC 7515)
Diagnostic Code 7515 · 38 CFR §4.115b
What Is It?
DC 7515 covers bladder calculus (bladder stones) when symptoms interfere with bladder function. Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the bladder, often as a result of incomplete bladder emptying, chronic catheterization, recurrent infections, or as a complication of other urinary conditions. Veterans may develop bladder stones from neurogenic bladder, prostate enlargement causing urinary retention, catheterization during military medical care, or recurrent urinary tract infections during service. The VA rates bladder stones as voiding dysfunction when they cause symptoms that interfere with normal bladder function.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 60% | Absorbent materials changed more than four times per day, or requiring the use of an appliance such as a catheter or collection device. |
| 40% | Absorbent materials changed two to four times per day, or daytime voiding interval less than one hour, or awakening to void five or more times per night. |
| 30% | Urinary retention requiring intermittent or continuous catheterization. |
| 20% | Absorbent materials needed but changed fewer than two times per day, or daytime voiding interval between one and two hours, or awakening to void three to four times per night. |
| 10% | Marked obstructive symptomatology with post void residuals over 150 cc, markedly diminished peak flow rate, recurrent UTIs secondary to obstruction, or stricture disease requiring periodic dilation every two to three months. Alternatively, daytime voiding interval between two and three hours or awakening to void two times per night. |
| 0% | Obstructive voiding symptomatology with or without stricture disease requiring dilation one to two times per year. |
Evidence Needed
Imaging (ultrasound, CT, or cystoscopy) confirming the presence of bladder stones is essential. Records of procedures to remove stones document severity. Documentation of voiding dysfunction symptoms caused by the stones and a voiding diary showing frequency patterns are valuable. Medical records linking stone formation to a service-connected cause or condition establish the chain of service connection.
C&P Exam Tips
Bring imaging showing current or recurrent bladder stones. Keep a voiding diary documenting frequency, urgency, and any incontinence. Describe how the stones affect your daily voiding patterns. Report any procedures performed to remove stones and how often they recur. If stones are secondary to another condition like BPH or neurogenic bladder, explain that connection.
How to File
File under DC 7515 with imaging confirming bladder stones, procedure records for stone removal, and a voiding diary showing functional impact. If the stones are secondary to a service-connected condition like BPH or neurogenic bladder, include that connection. Document the recurrence pattern if stones keep forming.
Common Mistakes
Not documenting voiding dysfunction caused by the stones with a voiding diary Failing to connect bladder stone formation to a service-connected underlying condition Not tracking recurrence patterns to demonstrate the chronic nature of the condition Overlooking secondary conditions like recurrent UTIs caused by the stones
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes bladder stones in veterans?
Bladder stones typically form when the bladder does not empty completely. Common causes include prostate enlargement, neurogenic bladder from spinal injuries, chronic catheterization, and recurrent infections. If the underlying cause is service-connected, the bladder stones are secondary.
Do bladder stones keep coming back after removal?
Yes, recurrence is common if the underlying cause is not corrected. If you have chronic urinary retention or other ongoing risk factors, new stones may form after removal. Documenting each recurrence strengthens your claim.
How is this different from kidney stones (DC 7508)?
DC 7515 covers stones located in the bladder that interfere with bladder function, rated as voiding dysfunction. DC 7508 covers kidney stones, ureteral stones, and nephrocalcinosis, rated using hydronephrosis criteria. The location of the stones determines which code applies.