Genitourinary · DC 4.115a (via various underlying diagnostic codes)

Voiding Dysfunction

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Many genitourinary conditions, from an enlarged prostate to bladder injury to cancer residuals, are rated using this same voiding-dysfunction framework: whichever single subcategory (urine leakage, urinary frequency, or obstructed voiding) is your predominant problem determines your rating.

Common Filing Mistake

Only your PREDOMINANT symptom category counts, the three subcategories are not combined or added together even if you have some of each. Make sure your medical records clearly document which pattern is actually your main problem (how often you change absorbent materials, how often you wake to urinate, or your urinary retention/catheterization needs), vague documentation across all three can result in being rated on whichever one an examiner happens to emphasize.

Diagnostic Codes
  • DC 7517Bladder, injury of
  • DC 7527Prostate gland injuries, infections, hypertrophy, postoperative residuals
  • DC 7528Malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary system
Rating Criteria
RatingCriteria
60%Urine leakage: requires an appliance or absorbent materials changed more than 4 times per day
40%Urine leakage: absorbent materials must be changed 2–4 times per day
20%Urine leakage: absorbent materials must be changed less than 2 times per day
40%Urinary frequency: daytime voiding interval less than 1 hour, or awakening to void 5+ times per night
20%Urinary frequency: daytime voiding interval 1–2 hours, or awakening to void 3–4 times per night
10%Urinary frequency: daytime voiding interval 2–3 hours, or awakening to void 2 times per night
30%Obstructed voiding: urinary retention requiring intermittent or continuous catheterization
10%Obstructed voiding: marked obstructive symptoms (hesitancy, slow or weak stream, decreased force) with at least one of: post-void residuals over 150cc, markedly diminished peak flow rate on uroflowmetry, recurrent UTIs secondary to obstruction, or stricture disease requiring dilation every 2–3 months
Special Rules
  • This framework (38 CFR § 4.115a) isn't its own standalone diagnostic code, it's the shared rating mechanism that many specific genitourinary diagnostic codes point to. Your actual diagnosis (e.g., prostate hypertrophy, bladder injury) determines which specific code applies, but the voiding-dysfunction table above determines the percentage.
  • Distinct, non-overlapping genitourinary symptoms can sometimes be rated separately rather than folded into one predominant category, worth discussing with a VSO if your situation is complex.
Sourced from 38 CFR §§ 4.71a / 4.130. This is a reference aid, not a rating decision, your actual rating depends on the medical evidence in your specific case and your C&P exam findings. Rules can be amended, verify current text at eCFR.gov or with an accredited VSO before relying on this for a specific claim.