Hysterectomy (Removal of the Uterus)
A service-connected hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) rates 100 percent for three months after the surgery, then a permanent 30 percent. If both ovaries are also removed, the permanent rating is 50 percent under DC 7617.
How the VA rates it
DC 7618 (removal of uterus, including corpus) assigns a temporary 100 percent for three months after removal, then 30 percent thereafter. If the uterus and both ovaries are removed, DC 7617 applies: 100 percent for three months, then 50 percent. Removal of both ovaries alone (DC 7619) rates 30 percent after the temporary period. These ratings also trigger review for special monthly compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ under 38 CFR 3.350.
Rating criteria by percentage
Rated up to 100%For three months after removal of the uterus.
Thereafter (permanent rating for removal of the uterus including corpus). Removal of the uterus with both ovaries rates 50 percent under DC 7617 instead.
What those terms mean
- SMC
- — Special Monthly Compensation — extra tax-free pay on top of your rating for specific losses (e.g., SMC-K for loss of use of a creative organ).
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.
- Painful or Unstable Scars — A tender abdominal surgical scar from the hysterectomy can be rated separately under DC 7804.
- Surgical menopause / hormonal effects — If the ovaries were removed, early surgical menopause effects can support the higher DC 7617 rating and related secondary claims.
- Major Depressive Disorder — Depression following loss of fertility or surgical menopause is commonly claimed as secondary.
- Pelvic organ prolapse — Prolapse due to surgical complications can be rated under DC 7621 (10 percent) with associated symptoms rated separately.
This is often secondary to
If you already have one of these service-connected, it may support connecting this condition.
- Endometriosis — Hysterectomy performed to treat service-connected endometriosis is rated as secondary.
- Uterine fibroids or other service-connected gynecological disease — If the condition that required the hysterectomy is service connected, the hysterectomy rating follows as secondary.
Evidence that strengthens this claim
- Submit the operative report - it establishes the surgery date (start of the 100 percent period) and whether the ovaries were also removed (30 vs 50 percent thereafter).
- Connect the surgery to service: show the underlying condition (endometriosis, fibroids, complications) began in or was aggravated by service.
- Ask VA to adjudicate special monthly compensation (SMC-K) - the schedule footnote requires review under 38 CFR 3.350 for loss of use of a creative organ.
- Claim the surgical scar under DC 7804 if it is painful or tender.
Filing notes
Entitlement to special monthly compensation under 38 CFR 3.350 must be reviewed with this rating (footnote to DCs 7617-7619). Make sure the correct code is used: 7618 (uterus only, 30 percent) vs 7617 (uterus plus both ovaries, 50 percent).
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.