Uterine Fibroids — VA Disability Rating Criteria (DC 7613)
Diagnostic Code 7613 · 38 CFR §4.116
What Is It?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, and backaches. They are extremely common — most women develop fibroids at some point, though many have no symptoms. For women veterans, fibroids may be connected to service through hormonal disruption caused by service stress, exposure to environmental contaminants, or through aggravation during service when symptoms worsened and were documented in military medical records. DC 7613 covers disease, injury, or adhesions of the uterus, and fibroids are the most common condition rated under this code. The VA rates uterine conditions using the General Rating Formula for Disease, Injury, or Adhesions of Female Reproductive Organs.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Symptoms are not controlled by continuous treatment. Despite ongoing medication and management, heavy bleeding, pain, or pressure symptoms persist and affect daily functioning. |
| 10% | Symptoms require continuous treatment — meaning ongoing medication, hormonal therapy, or regular medical management to control heavy bleeding, pain, or pressure symptoms. |
| 0% | Fibroids cause symptoms that do not require continuous treatment. The condition is present but manageable without ongoing medication. |
Evidence Needed
A diagnosis confirmed by pelvic ultrasound or MRI showing the number, size, and location of fibroids is required. Treatment records showing medications tried (hormonal therapy, tranexamic acid, iron supplementation for anemia), procedures performed, and symptom management are important. Lab work showing anemia from heavy bleeding strengthens the claim. If fibroids were documented during service or symptoms worsened during service, include those records. Lay statements describing the impact of heavy bleeding, pain, and urinary symptoms on daily life and work are helpful.
C&P Exam Tips
Be prepared to describe your menstrual cycle in detail — how heavy your bleeding is, how many days it lasts, how many pads or tampons you use, and whether bleeding has caused anemia or iron deficiency. If fibroids cause pressure symptoms (frequent urination, constipation, lower back pain), describe those too. If you have had procedures or surgeries for fibroids, describe what was done and whether symptoms improved. If heavy periods cause you to miss work or limit activities, quantify those limitations — for example, how many days per month you are unable to function normally.
How to File
File on VA Form 21-526EZ. Connect the fibroids to military service — either through in-service diagnosis, documented symptom onset during service, or aggravation of pre-existing fibroids during service. Include imaging reports, treatment records, and lab work showing any related anemia. If fibroids are secondary to another service-connected condition or aggravated by service-connected medications, include a nexus opinion.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is not filing because fibroids are so common that women assume they are not service-connectable. If fibroids were diagnosed or worsened during service, they may qualify. Another mistake is not documenting the downstream effects — anemia from heavy bleeding, urinary problems from pressure, and depression from chronic symptoms can each be claimed as secondary conditions. Veterans also sometimes do not track the severity of their menstrual symptoms, making it harder to demonstrate impairment at the C&P exam. Remember that the maximum rating under this code is 30 percent, so if fibroids require surgical treatment like hysterectomy, the surgery itself should be rated under DC 7617 or DC 7618 for a potentially higher evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fibroids be service-connected if they are so common?
Yes. The fact that a condition is common does not prevent service connection. If your fibroids were diagnosed during service, if symptoms worsened during service, or if they are linked to a service-related cause, they can be service-connected. Documentation of symptoms during service is the key.
If I had a hysterectomy for fibroids, what rating do I get?
Hysterectomy has its own rating criteria. Under DC 7617 (removal of uterus and both ovaries), you receive 100 percent for three months, then 50 percent. Under DC 7618 (removal of uterus with ovaries preserved), you receive 100 percent for three months, then 30 percent. These ratings may be higher than the fibroid rating itself.