Diagnostic Code 7707 · 38 CFR §4.117
Rupture of the spleen without splenectomy occurs when the spleen is damaged but not completely removed. Modern trauma medicine sometimes allows for splenic salvage through non-operative management or partial splenectomy, preserving some splenic function. Veterans may experience splenic rupture from combat injuries, training accidents, or vehicle crashes during service. While preserving the spleen is preferable to removal, the injured spleen may not function as effectively, and there may be residual pain, increased infection risk, or need for activity restrictions to prevent re-injury.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | History of splenic rupture that has healed with no residual symptoms or functional limitation. |
| 10% | Healed splenic rupture with mild residual symptoms such as occasional pain or minor activity restrictions. |
| 20% | Healed splenic rupture with ongoing symptoms requiring significant activity restrictions or evidence of compromised splenic function. |
Hospital records documenting the splenic injury and treatment decision (non-operative management or partial splenectomy) are needed. Imaging showing the status of the spleen post-injury is important. Service treatment records establishing the in-service cause of the rupture are essential. Follow-up records documenting any functional compromise or activity restrictions are helpful.
If a previously ruptured spleen later requires removal, you can file for an increased rating under DC 7706, which provides a fixed 20% rating for splenectomy. The existing service connection for the splenic injury makes this straightforward.