Diagnostic Code 7518 · 38 CFR §4.115b
Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder out of the body) caused by scar tissue. This makes urination difficult, slow, and incomplete. Veterans commonly develop strictures from catheterizations during medical procedures, pelvic or genital injuries, urinary tract infections, or complications from military medical care. The condition often recurs even after treatment.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Stricture present but without significant obstructive voiding symptoms; no further treatment required beyond initial dilation. |
| 10% | Obstructed voiding — marked hesitancy, slow or weak stream, decreased force of stream, OR recurrent urinary tract infections secondary to obstruction occurring 1-2 times per year requiring intermittent intensive management. |
| 30% | Urinary retention requiring intermittent or continuous catheterization. (When voiding dysfunction warrants a higher rating under frequency or leakage criteria, use the higher rating.) |
Cystoscopy or urethrogram showing the stricture location and severity provides objective documentation. Urodynamic testing showing obstructed flow rates quantifies the blockage. Treatment records for dilations, urethrotomy, or urethroplasty procedures demonstrate severity. Records of the original injury or catheterization that caused the stricture connect it to service. A voiding diary documenting symptoms helps support the claim.
Recurrence is very common. Simple dilation has the highest recurrence rate, internal cutting (urethrotomy) has moderate recurrence, and surgical reconstruction (urethroplasty) has the lowest but still possible recurrence. The recurring nature supports an ongoing disability claim — each recurrence should be documented.
Yes. Urethral catheterization, especially repeated or traumatic catheterization, is a well-known cause of urethral strictures. If you were catheterized during military medical care and later developed a stricture, the catheterization is the likely cause and supports direct service connection.