Pelvic Organ Prolapse — VA Disability Rating (DC 7621)
Diagnostic Code 7621 · 38 CFR §4.116
What Is It?
DC 7621 covers complete or incomplete pelvic organ prolapse caused by injury, disease, or surgical complications of pregnancy. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when a pelvic organ such as the bladder, urethra, uterus, vagina, small bowel, or rectum drops from its normal position. Related conditions include uterine or vaginal vault prolapse, cystocele (bladder prolapse), urethrocele (urethral prolapse), rectocele (rectal prolapse), enterocele (small bowel prolapse), or any combination of these. Veterans may develop prolapse from physical strain during service, injuries, complications from childbirth that occurred during service, or surgical complications. The VA assigns a base rating of 10 percent for the prolapse itself, then rates any associated symptoms separately under their appropriate diagnostic codes.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Complete or incomplete pelvic organ prolapse due to injury, disease, or surgical complications of pregnancy. This is the only rating level for the prolapse itself. However, the CFR directs that genitourinary, digestive, or skin symptoms caused by the prolapse should be rated separately under the appropriate diagnostic codes and combined with this 10 percent evaluation. |
Evidence Needed
Gynecological or urological examination documenting the prolapse and its type (cystocele, rectocele, uterine prolapse, etc.) is essential. Imaging studies or specialized testing (urodynamics, defecography) may quantify the severity. Records documenting the cause — in-service injury, childbirth complications during service, or surgical complications — establish the service connection. Current treatment records showing any conservative management (pessary use, pelvic floor therapy) or surgical interventions demonstrate the ongoing impact. Records of associated symptoms (urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction, skin irritation) support separate secondary ratings.
C&P Exam Tips
Describe all symptoms caused by the prolapse, including urinary leakage, difficulty emptying your bladder, bowel problems, pelvic pressure, discomfort during physical activity, and any skin irritation from tissue exposure. The prolapse itself only receives 10 percent, but each associated symptom system (urinary, digestive, skin) should be rated separately and combined with the base rating. Make sure the examiner documents all symptom categories, not just the prolapse diagnosis.
How to File
File VA Form 21-526EZ listing pelvic organ prolapse under DC 7621. Include medical records documenting the prolapse and its cause. Critically, also file separate claims for each symptom system affected — urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction, and skin problems — because the CFR specifically directs that these be evaluated separately and combined with the 10 percent prolapse rating. This approach maximizes your total compensation.
Common Mistakes
Only claiming the prolapse itself at 10 percent and not filing separate claims for urinary, digestive, and skin symptoms Not understanding that the CFR specifically directs separate evaluation of associated symptoms on top of the base 10 percent Failing to document the cause of prolapse (injury, disease, or surgical complications) and its connection to service Not tracking all symptom types — many veterans focus only on the most bothersome symptom and miss additional ratable conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the rating only 10 percent for prolapse?
The 10 percent is the base rating for the prolapse itself. However, the CFR specifically directs that genitourinary symptoms (like urinary incontinence), digestive symptoms (like bowel dysfunction), and skin symptoms be rated separately under their own diagnostic codes and combined with the 10 percent. This means your total combined rating for prolapse and all its effects can be significantly higher than 10 percent.
Can pelvic organ prolapse be service-connected?
Yes. Prolapse can result from physical strain during service, injuries to the pelvic area, complications from childbirth that occurred during service, or surgical complications from military medical procedures. The key is documenting the cause and connecting it to your service.