VA Disability Rating for Uterine Fibroids

For some women veterans, ongoing pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or fatigue from anemia can start to take over their daily lives. These can all be symptoms of uterine fibroids, a common problem that can affect work, family life, and long-term health. 

When these issues lead to chronic symptoms or require surgery, you may wonder whether a uterine fibroids VA rating is possible. Veterans may qualify for VA disability for uterine fibroids if the condition can be linked to their military service. This article explains how.

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are considered tumors, but are almost always noncancerous. Some people will develop one fibroid, while others may develop several. They can be tiny and hard to see, or they can grow large enough to change the shape of the uterus.

Many women have fibroids and never know it. They may not cause symptoms and are sometimes found by chance during a pelvic exam or an ultrasound. When symptoms occur, they depend on where the fibroids are located, their size, and how many there are.

Common symptoms include heavy or painful periods, periods that last longer than usual, pelvic pressure or pain, and frequent trips to the bathroom if a fibroid presses on the bladder. Some people also experience constipation or lower back pain.

Uterine fibroids and veterans

Uterine fibroids are extremely common. Research shows that about 70% of white women and 80% of Black women will develop them at some point in their lives. Uterine fibroids also tend to appear earlier and cause more severe symptoms in Black women, who make up a significant share of the women receiving VA health care.

Research has also found that exposure to environmental contaminants, including those sometimes encountered during military service, may raise the risk of developing fibroids.

Uterine fibroids VA rating

The VA rates uterine fibroids using diagnostic code 7613 for disease, injury, or adhesions of the uterus under the General Rating Formula for Disease, Injury, or Adhesions of Female Reproductive Organs. Potential ratings are 30%, 10%, and 0%, and are determined by how well the fibroids respond to treatment, if treatment is needed at all.

Description	VA Rating	Monthly payment (vet only)
Symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment	30%	$552.47
Symptoms that require continuous treatment	10%	$180.42
Symptoms that do not require continuous treatment	0%	None

If the fibroids result in surgery to remove the uterus, also known as a hysterectomy, veterans will receive a temporary rating of 100% for the first three months after surgery, and 30% after that.

Uterine fibroids and related conditions

For many veterans, uterine fibroids can lead to other health problems. Below are some common conditions related to uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids and infertility

Depending on their size and where they grow in the uterus, fibroids may interfere with fertility. In some cases, large fibroids can block fallopian tubes or change the shape of the uterine cavity, making it more difficult to get pregnant. Fibroids have also been linked to recurrent pregnancy loss and lower live birth rates, especially when they grow into the uterine cavity.

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Uterine fibroids and anemia

Heavy or prolonged bleeding during periods is one of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids. Over time, this blood loss can lead to anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath.

Uterine fibroids and hysterectomy

Uterine fibroids are one of the most common reasons women undergo a hysterectomy. When fibroids cause severe bleeding, pain, or other complications that do not respond to treatment, surgery may be recommended. 

How Woods & Woods can help

The VA-accredited attorneys at Woods & Woods have helped thousands of veterans nationwide get the disability benefits they deserve. Call us today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.

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