Breast Cancer — VA Disability Rating (DC 7630)
Diagnostic Code 7630 · 38 CFR §4.116
What Is It?
DC 7630 covers malignant neoplasms (cancer) of the breast. This is the diagnostic code for active breast cancer, separate from DC 7626 which rates the surgical residuals after treatment. Breast cancer affects both women and men veterans, though it is far more common in women. The VA automatically assigns a 100 percent rating during active cancer treatment. For veterans, breast cancer may be service-connected through exposure to ionizing radiation, chemical exposures during service (including Camp Lejeune water contamination), burn pit exposure under the PACT Act, or in rare cases through direct trauma. After treatment ends and the six-month period passes, the VA rates chronic residuals under DC 7626 (for surgical effects) and other appropriate diagnostic codes.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Active breast cancer. This 100 percent rating continues throughout all treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy) and for six months after the last therapeutic procedure. After the six-month period, the VA conducts a mandatory reexamination and rates chronic residuals according to impairment of function — including scars, lymphedema, disfigurement, and limitation of motion — and under DC 7626 for surgical effects. |
Evidence Needed
Pathology reports confirming the cancer diagnosis are the primary evidence. Treatment records covering all surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy document the basis for the 100 percent rating. For service connection, evidence of qualifying exposure (radiation, chemical exposure, Camp Lejeune service, burn pit exposure) is needed. Post-treatment imaging and oncology follow-up records document remission status. When the six-month post-treatment period arrives, documentation of all residual conditions (lymphedema, neuropathy from chemotherapy, surgical effects, depression) supports the transition to residual ratings.
C&P Exam Tips
If you are undergoing active treatment, the exam mainly confirms the diagnosis and treatment status — the 100 percent rating should be straightforward. For the mandatory reexamination after the six-month post-treatment period, describe every lasting consequence in detail: restricted shoulder or arm movement from surgery, lymphedema, numbness in the chest or arm, chronic pain at surgical sites, fatigue from hormone therapy, neuropathy from chemotherapy, or body image and psychological effects. Each of these residuals may warrant separate ratings under different diagnostic codes.
How to File
File VA Form 21-526EZ as soon as possible after diagnosis. Identify the basis for service connection — Camp Lejeune service, radiation exposure, burn pit exposure, chemical exposure, or another qualifying factor. Submit pathology reports, surgical records, treatment records, and current oncology status. For presumptive conditions (Camp Lejeune, radiation exposure, PACT Act), you do not need a separate nexus opinion. Before the six-month reexamination, file secondary claims for each residual condition: lymphedema, neuropathy, depression, shoulder limitation, scar effects, and hormone therapy side effects.
Common Mistakes
Not understanding that DC 7630 covers active breast cancer while DC 7626 covers the surgical residuals — they work together Not filing separate claims for all residual conditions before the mandatory reexamination Not knowing about presumptive service connection — Camp Lejeune veterans, radiation-exposed veterans, and PACT Act burn pit veterans may qualify automatically Accepting a reduced rating after treatment without ensuring all residual effects are documented and claimed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is breast cancer a presumptive condition for any veterans?
Yes. Breast cancer is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Camp Lejeune water contamination (stationed there for at least 30 days between 1953-1987). It may also qualify under ionizing radiation presumptive provisions for radiation-exposed veterans. The PACT Act expanded coverage for toxic exposure veterans as well. For these groups, the VA presumes the cancer was caused by service.
What happens to my 100 percent rating when treatment ends?
The 100 percent rating continues for six months after your last active treatment. Then the VA conducts a mandatory re-evaluation. Your new rating is based on surgical residuals under DC 7626 and any other lasting effects rated under their appropriate codes. Make sure all residual conditions are documented and claimed before the re-evaluation.
Can male veterans claim breast cancer?
Yes. While much less common, male breast cancer is a recognized condition that the VA rates using the same criteria. The same service connection pathways apply regardless of gender.