Endometriosis can severely impact your life because of the pain and discomfort it causes. If you are a veteran with the condition, you’ll want to understand the endometriosis VA rating to determine whether you may qualify for disability benefits.
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Your menstrual periods are almost unbearable. You have severe pain in your abdomen and lower back to the point where you can hardly get out of bed during this time of the month. The condition, which started during your military service, has been diagnosed as endometriosis. It’s important to understand the VA rating for endometriosis and if you qualify for VA disability benefits.
In this article about the endometriosis VA rating:
Endometriosis in veterans
Endometriosis is when endometrial tissue that should grow inside the uterus grows on the outside of it in other locations like the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the outer surface of the uterus. Because this tissue doesn’t shed properly, it can cause inflammation, scarring, and cysts. Sometimes it can cause reproductive organs to become held together by the tissue.
Endometriosis can be painful, especially when using the restroom or during sex. It can also cause pain in the abdomen and lower back. If left untreated, it can even lead to infertility.
Endometriosis is a common reproductive diagnosis in the VA. One study found that endometriosis and menstrual disorders affect about 13% of women veterans between the ages of 18 to 44. However, another study acknowledged its prevalence but said, “It is difficult to establish the effects of deployment and combat exposure on these disorders.” Still, the VA offers disability benefits for endometriosis.
Though the cause of endometriosis is unknown, if you developed endometriosis during military service or your existing endometriosis went untreated and got worse during service, you may be eligible for a service connection for the condition.
Endometriosis VA rating
The VA rating for endometriosis is determined using Diagnostic Code 7629 in the Schedule of Ratings. The rating is based on the severity of the condition and its symptoms. It is as follows:
| Description | VA Rating | Monthly payment (vet only) |
|---|---|---|
| Lesions involving bowel or bladder confirmed by laparoscopy, pelvic pain or heavy or irregular bleeding not controlled by treatment, and bowel or bladder symptoms | 50% | $1,075.16 |
| Pelvic pain or heavy or irregular bleeding not controlled by treatment | 30% | $524.31 |
| Pelvic pain or heavy or irregular bleeding requiring continuous treatment for control | 10% | $171.23 |
The VA requires a veteran’s endometriosis to be diagnosed by a laparoscopy. This is a minimally invasive surgery in which a small camera allows medical providers to look at problems in the stomach or pelvic area.
Endometriosis and related conditions
Endometriosis may cause other service-connected medical conditions. If you develop an illness because of your endometriosis, you could be eligible to receive a secondary service connection. A secondary service connection allows you to receive a VA disability rating for any health condition medically related to a service-connected condition.
Endometriosis can lead to other menstrual disorders and infertility. It may also result in the need for a hysterectomy if other treatments are unsuccessful. All of these medical issues are eligible for VA disability benefits.
Additionally, veterans with endometriosis are more prone to developing certain mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. One study found that 68% of women with endometriosis showed signs of mild or high psychological stress. This is potentially linked to the challenges of getting a diagnosis due to stigma.
Women with endometriosis are also more likely to develop other medical conditions that may qualify for VA disability benefits, including:
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and hypothyroidism
- Migraines
- Chronic pain
- Back pain
- Asthma
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ovarian cancer
- Breast cancer
TDIU for endometriosis
A veteran can be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) benefits if they can’t maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected conditions.
Although the VA doesn’t provide TDIU for endometriosis alone, you may be eligible for the benefit if it leads to secondary conditions. For example, if your service-connected endometriosis causes depression or anxiety, the physical and emotional pain can make it difficult to work.
TDIU pays at the same level as a 100% disability rating, even when the veteran’s combined rating is below 100%.
Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:
- One service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR
- Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more.
“From the day we contacted [Woods and Woods], they made us feel so comfortable. They treated us like we mattered and we were not just clients but family.”
L.B., a Navy veteran and wife in Florida
How Woods and Woods can help
Woods and Woods has been fighting for people with injuries and disabilities since 1985. Our team of accredited VA disability lawyers, case managers, legal analysts, and intake specialists know the ins and outs of the VA so you don’t have to do all the hard work. Call us today for your free and confidential case evaluation.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, you can get VA disability for endometriosis if you can prove the condition either began during military service, became worse during service, or is related to another service-connected medical condition.
The VA disability rating for endometriosis is 50%, 30%, or 10%, depending on the severity of the condition and its symptoms.
Neil Woods
VA disability lawyer
Woods and Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
