Pregnancy, Ectopic — VA Disability Rating (DC 7614)

Diagnostic Code 7614 · 38 CFR §4.116

What Is It?

There is no DC 7635, and there never was. This page previously published one. A check of 38 CFR part 4 — every section from 4.1 through 4.150, plus Appendix A, which records every amendment to the rating schedule since 1946, and Appendix B, the numerical index — finds no code 7635 and no entry for ectopic pregnancy anywhere in the schedule. The reason is Note 1 to § 4.116: "Natural menopause, primary amenorrhea, and pregnancy and childbirth are not disabilities for rating purposes. Chronic residuals of medical or surgical complications of pregnancy may be disabilities for rating purposes." An ectopic pregnancy is an acute event, so it is the residual that is rated, under the code for the organ affected — most often DC 7614, "Fallopian tube, disease, injury, or adhesions of (including pelvic inflammatory disease)," because the tube is where the great majority of ectopic pregnancies implant and where salpingectomy or salpingostomy leaves its mark. An ectopic pregnancy implants outside the uterus, cannot develop normally, and as it grows can rupture the surrounding tissue and bleed into the abdomen within hours.

Rating Criteria

Evidence Needed

The original emergency or surgical records documenting the ectopic pregnancy — beta-hCG levels, ultrasound findings, operative report — are foundational. Pathology reports from any surgical removal of the affected tube or ovary confirm what was removed. Pelvic imaging (ultrasound, MRI, or hysterosalpingogram) characterizes current pelvic anatomy and any residual adhesions or scarring. Records of any subsequent fertility workup document the impact on reproduction. Mental health records covering grief, depression, or anxiety following pregnancy loss support secondary psychological claims. Service medical records establishing the in-service event close the nexus when the original ectopic pregnancy occurred during active duty.

C&P Exam Tips

Bring the original surgical records, any imaging, fertility workup results, and a clear functional account of how the residuals affect daily life. Describe chronic pelvic pain pattern — frequency, severity, what triggers it, what treatments have been tried. If you have lost one or both fallopian tubes and your fertility is affected, mention it explicitly and request evaluation for SMC-K under 38 USC 1114(k), which is paid for loss of use of a creative organ. Describe the psychological impact of the loss and the impact of any fertility limitations on family planning. Mention any subsequent pregnancies — successful or otherwise — because they affect both the rating and any secondary mental health claim.

How to File

File VA Form 21-526EZ naming the residual — tubal loss, pelvic adhesions, chronic pelvic pain, infertility — rather than "ectopic pregnancy," because the event itself is not a disability for rating purposes under Note 1 to § 4.116. The rater assigns DC 7614 for fallopian tube disease, injury or adhesions, or DC 7615 where the ovary is involved; § 4.116’s Note to that formula also routes ovarian dysfunction affecting the menstrual cycle to DC 7615. Attach the operative and pathology reports, current pelvic imaging, and any fertility workup. Note 2 to § 4.116 directs a referral under 38 CFR § 3.350 for loss or loss of use of a creative organ, which is the special monthly compensation question — raise it expressly. Where the loss triggered clinically significant grief, depression or anxiety, file that as a separate mental health claim.

Common Mistakes

Filing for "ectopic pregnancy under DC 7635," a code that does not exist. Claiming the event rather than the residual, when Note 1 to § 4.116 excludes pregnancy and childbirth themselves and expressly admits their chronic residuals. Not raising special monthly compensation under § 3.350 where a tube or ovary was lost — Note 2 to § 4.116 directs the referral, and it is routinely missed. Leaving the mental health consequences unclaimed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What diagnostic code does VA use for an ectopic pregnancy?

None specific to it. There is no ectopic pregnancy code in 38 CFR part 4. Note 1 to § 4.116 makes pregnancy and childbirth non-disabilities for rating purposes while expressly allowing chronic residuals of medical or surgical complications of pregnancy, so VA rates the residual under the organ code — usually DC 7614 for the fallopian tube, sometimes DC 7615 for the ovary.

What are the percentages?

DCs 7610 through 7615 share one General Rating Formula: 30 percent for symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment, 10 percent for symptoms that require continuous treatment, and 0 percent for symptoms that do not require continuous treatment. A 0 percent is still a grant of service connection.

I lost a fallopian tube. Is that special monthly compensation?

It is the right question to raise, and VA’s own regulation tells the rater to consider it: Note 2 to § 4.116 directs that when a claim involves loss or loss of use of a creative organ, refer to 38 CFR § 3.350 to determine entitlement to special monthly compensation. Ask for the § 3.350 analysis in writing so it appears in the decision.