DC 7517Genitourinary38 CFR § 4.115bLast verified: APR 8, 2026

Bladder, injury of — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7517)

The VA rates Bladder, injury of under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.115b, Diagnostic Code 7517, from 0% to 60% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. 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.. Related conditions in the Genitourinary body system share this rating framework.

What are the VA rating criteria for Bladder, injury of?

0%Disability Rating

Rate as voiding dysfunction.

20%Disability Rating

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%Disability Rating

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%Disability Rating

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.
— 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.115b, Diagnostic Code 7517 (40% tier)

Common Questions About Bladder, injury of VA Ratings

What is the VA disability rating for Bladder, injury of?

The VA rates Bladder, injury of under Diagnostic Code 7517 at the following tiers: 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..

What is Diagnostic Code 7517?

Diagnostic Code 7517 is the VA rating identifier for Bladder, injury of within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.115b. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.

What is the highest rating for Bladder, injury of?

The highest schedular rating for Bladder, injury of under DC 7517 is 60%. This tier 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.. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Bladder, injury of alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.

What 38 CFR section governs Bladder, injury of ratings?

Bladder, injury of is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.115b, Diagnostic Code 7517. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.

Which conditions are commonly secondary to Bladder, injury of?

Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Bladder, injury of may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.

What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Bladder, injury of?

Service connection for Bladder, injury of requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.

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