Endometriosis
Endometriosis is uterine-type tissue growing outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain and heavy or irregular bleeding. VA rates it 10, 30, or 50 percent based on symptom control and bowel or bladder involvement, and the diagnosis must be confirmed by laparoscopy.
How the VA rates it
Rated under DC 7629 on how well treatment controls the symptoms. Continuous treatment that controls pelvic pain or bleeding rates 10 percent; symptoms not controlled by treatment rate 30 percent; and 50 percent requires laparoscopy-confirmed lesions on the bowel or bladder plus uncontrolled pain or bleeding plus bowel or bladder symptoms. The note to DC 7629 requires the diagnosis itself to be substantiated by laparoscopy.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 50%Lesions involving the bowel or bladder confirmed by laparoscopy, with pelvic pain or heavy/irregular bleeding not controlled by treatment, and bowel or bladder symptoms.
Pelvic pain or heavy or irregular bleeding not controlled by treatment.
Pelvic pain or heavy or irregular bleeding requiring continuous treatment for control.
Secondary condition strategy
Commonly claimed secondary to this
Conditions veterans often develop from this one — each can be its own rating under 38 CFR 3.310.
- Hysterectomy — When service-connected endometriosis leads to hysterectomy, the hysterectomy is rated as secondary under DC 7618 (100 percent for three months, then 30 percent).
- Major Depressive Disorder — Depression from chronic pelvic pain and infertility is commonly claimed as secondary.
- Infertility — Endometriosis-related loss of reproductive function may qualify for special monthly compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Make sure you have a laparoscopy report - VA cannot grant DC 7629 without laparoscopic confirmation of the diagnosis.
- Document that symptoms persist despite treatment (hormonal therapy, pain management) - 'not controlled by treatment' is the difference between 10 and 30 percent.
- If the laparoscopy showed implants on the bowel or bladder, submit that operative report and document bowel/bladder symptoms - all three elements together support 50 percent.
- In-service records of severe menstrual pain, sick call visits, or gynecological complaints help establish onset during service even if diagnosis came later.
Filing notes
Diagnosis must be substantiated by laparoscopy (note to DC 7629). If endometriosis has caused loss of reproductive function or led to organ removal, ask VA to consider special monthly compensation under 38 CFR 3.350.
Related diagnostic codes
More gynecological conditions
Disclaimer: Valor Rating is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always review your documents carefully before submitting to the VA. For official guidance, consult an accredited VSO, claims agent, or attorney.