Diagnostic Code 7517 · 38 CFR §4.115b
DC 7517 covers injury to the urinary bladder that results in lasting functional impairment. Bladder injuries in veterans often stem from combat wounds, blast injuries, pelvic trauma, surgical complications, or catheterization injuries during military medical treatment. The VA rates bladder injury as voiding dysfunction, evaluating the residual effects on bladder function including changes in capacity, control, and voiding patterns.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Obstructive voiding symptomatology with or without stricture disease requiring dilation one to two times per year. Alternatively, history of bladder injury that has healed with no significant residual voiding dysfunction. |
| 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. |
Medical records documenting the original bladder injury and its cause are essential. Urodynamic testing results showing current bladder capacity and function demonstrate the current disability level. A voiding diary documenting frequency patterns maps directly to rating criteria. Records of any surgical repairs or ongoing treatments and a statement describing daily impact including absorbent material use strengthen the claim.