Diagnostic Code 7515 · 38 CFR §4.115b
DC 7515 covers bladder calculus (bladder stones) when symptoms interfere with bladder function. Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the bladder, often as a result of incomplete bladder emptying, chronic catheterization, recurrent infections, or as a complication of other urinary conditions. Veterans may develop bladder stones from neurogenic bladder, prostate enlargement causing urinary retention, catheterization during military medical care, or recurrent urinary tract infections during service. The VA rates bladder stones as voiding dysfunction when they cause symptoms that interfere with normal bladder function.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Obstructive voiding symptomatology with or without stricture disease requiring dilation one to two times per year. |
| 10% | Marked obstructive symptomatology with post void residuals over 150 cc, markedly diminished peak flow rate, recurrent UTIs secondary to obstruction, or stricture disease requiring periodic dilation every two to three months. Alternatively, daytime voiding interval between two and three hours or awakening to void two times per night. |
| 20% | Absorbent materials needed but changed fewer than two times per day, or daytime voiding interval between one and two hours, or awakening to void three to four times per night. |
| 30% | Urinary retention requiring intermittent or continuous catheterization. |
| 40% | Absorbent materials changed two to four times per day, or daytime voiding interval less than one hour, or awakening to void five or more times per night. |
| 60% | Absorbent materials changed more than four times per day, or requiring the use of an appliance such as a catheter or collection device. |
Imaging (ultrasound, CT, or cystoscopy) confirming the presence of bladder stones is essential. Records of procedures to remove stones document severity. Documentation of voiding dysfunction symptoms caused by the stones and a voiding diary showing frequency patterns are valuable. Medical records linking stone formation to a service-connected cause or condition establish the chain of service connection.