Bladder, injury of
The VA rates Bladder, injury of under Diagnostic Code 7517 across 4 severity levels, from 0% to 60%. The 60% maximum means additional ratings through secondary conditions or combined ratings are critical for higher compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 7517 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 60%
- Rating tiers
- 4
- CFR section
- § 4.115b
- Body system
- Genitourinary System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
TDIU may raise effective compensation to 100%
0%, 20%, 40%, 60%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Bladder, injury of?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Rate as voiding dysfunction. Note: Cross-reference — see referenced criteria for rating tiers |
| 20% | Bladder injury residuals: Frequent urinary urgency and/or frequency requiring voiding every 2-3 hours; mild stress incontinence (with physical activity); post-void dribbling. |
| 40% | Bladder injury residuals: Voiding dysfunction requiring 3 or more urinations per hour; moderate stress incontinence requiring use of 2 or more absorbent pads per day; or persistent urinary retention requiring catheterization. |
| 60% | Bladder injury residuals: Requiring indwelling urinary catheter; or renal failure secondary to bladder dysfunction; or total urinary incontinence requiring continuous use of absorbent pads. |
“Bladder injury residuals: Voiding dysfunction requiring 3 or more urinations per hour; moderate stress incontinence requiring use of 2 or more absorbent pads per day; or persistent urinary retention requiring catheterization.”
Common Questions About Bladder, injury of VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Bladder, injury of?
The VA rates Bladder, injury of under Diagnostic Code 7517 at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Rate as voiding dysfunction.. The maximum 60% rating requires: Bladder injury residuals: Requiring indwelling urinary catheter; or renal failure secondary to bladder dysfunction; or total urinary incontinence requiring continuous use of absorbent pads..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Bladder, injury of?
The VA rates Bladder, injury of under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7517, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.115b. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 60% rating for Bladder, injury of?
A 0% rating requires: Rate as voiding dysfunction.. A 60% rating requires: Bladder injury residuals: Requiring indwelling urinary catheter; or renal failure secondary to bladder dysfunction; or total urinary incontinence requiring continuous use of absorbent pads.. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Bladder, injury of qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 60% rating for Bladder, injury of alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Bladder, injury of?
The key evidence for Bladder, injury of is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
What happens at the C&P exam for Bladder, injury of?
The C&P examiner uses a Genitourinary System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7517 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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