Pelvic pain is common among veterans, but there is no pelvic pain VA rating on its own. Instead, the VA usually considers pelvic pain a symptom of a larger medical issue or injury. If the cause of your pelvic pain is related to your military service, you may be eligible for compensation.
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In this article about the pelvic pain VA rating:
Pelvic pain among veterans
Pelvic pain is discomfort or pain in your lower abdomen, lower back, buttocks, or genital area. There are many causes of pelvic pain, some of which are related to the reproductive system and others that are not. Chronic pelvic pain, or pelvic pain that lasts longer than six months, is common among veterans, especially women.
Veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (MST), combat trauma, or have PTSD are more likely to have chronic pelvic pain than those without these experiences.
If pelvic pain is left untreated, it can cause other health concerns, including anxiety, depression, potential infection, and fatigue.
Pelvic pain VA rating
If your pelvic pain is caused by a service-connected condition like fibromyalgia or endometriosis, you will most likely already have symptoms, including pain, combined under the diagnostic code for that condition. However, veterans experiencing pain with no formal diagnosis of a related condition can still receive VA disability benefits.
If your pelvic pain is not tied to a diagnosed condition but is service-connected, you are eligible for VA benefits under the rules on painful motion and functional loss.
An example of where these rules might apply is a veteran who experienced a pelvic injury in service. The injury may now be healed, but pain and stiffness continue. The veteran experiences “functional loss” of their pelvis because moving it is painful and difficult. A situation like this can warrant a pelvic pain VA rating.
The pelvic pain VA rating you receive would depend on the functional loss due to the pain or limited range of motion.
Conditions that cause pelvic pain that are eligible for VA disability
Below are some of the most common conditions that cause pelvic pain. It’s important to remember that more than one condition can cause pelvic pain simultaneously.
Reproductive system causes
Many causes of pelvic pain are related to the reproductive system.
The VA rates the following conditions that may cause pelvic pain using the General Rating Formula for Disease, Injury or Adhesions of the Female Reproductive Organs. They may be assigned a rating of 0%, 10%, or 30% depending on the severity and need for treatment.
- PCOS
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Uterine fibroids
Other reproductive or excretory system issues that may cause pelvic pain include:
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cancer
- Pregnancy complications
- Prostatitis
- Menstrual disorders
Gastrointestinal causes
Digestive system problems cause pelvic pain for many veterans.
Gastrointestinal conditions can cause pain that radiates into the pelvic area, especially when inflammation, infection, or bowel dysfunction is involved. When these conditions are service connected, the VA rates them using the Schedule of Ratings for the digestive system. Ratings are determined based on the diagnosis, symptom severity, and how much the condition impacts daily functioning.
Common gastrointestinal conditions that may cause pelvic pain include:
- Appendicitis
- Colon cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticulitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Ulcerative colitis
Genitourinary causes
Pelvic pain can also originate in the genitourinary system.
Conditions affecting the bladder, kidneys, and urinary tract often cause pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region.
If these conditions are service connected, the VA will evaluate them using the Schedule of Ratings for the genitourinary system based on the diagnosis, frequency and severity of symptoms, and how much the condition affects the veteran’s everyday activities.
Common genitourinary conditions that may cause pelvic pain include:
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Other causes
Not all pelvic pain fits neatly into one category or diagnosis. In some cases, the source might be an autoimmune condition, trauma, or even a physical injury. Examples of these types of issues include:
- Fibromyalgia
- Inguinal hernia
- Military sexual trauma (MST)
- Injury during service
- Musculoskeletal injury
- Nerve damage
SMC-K for loss of use of a creative organ
Some conditions that cause pelvic pain can also affect reproductive or sexual function. When that happens, you may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation at the K level (SMC-K) for the loss or loss of use of a creative organ.
A creative organ is any procreative or reproductive organ. This includes the penis, testicles, uterus, ovaries, and breast tissue.
“Loss of a creative organ” means the organ has been amputated. “Loss of use,” or loss of function, means you still physically have the organ, but it can’t function any better than it would if it were missing.
Special monthly compensation is tax-free compensation given to veterans with disabilities that are so severe or debilitating that they can’t be rated appropriately using the regular VA ratings schedule.
SMC-K payments supplement VA disability ratings. So, if you qualify, you would receive this amount in addition to the compensation related to your disabilities.
Often, VA will refer to loss of use of a creative organ as either female sexual arousal disorder or erectile dysfunction.
TDIU for pelvic pain
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.
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.
How Woods & Woods can help
Woods & 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, if the pain or diagnosis is related to service, you can get VA disability for pelvic pain.
Yes, more than one medical condition can cause pelvic pain. That’s why it’s important to work with a doctor to determine the diagnosis or diagnoses causing the pain and whether they’re related to your military service.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
