Diagnostic Code 7629 · 38 CFR §4.116
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus — on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder, or other pelvic structures. This tissue responds to hormonal cycles, causing inflammation, scarring, and pain. Symptoms include severe pelvic pain (especially during periods), pain during intercourse, painful urination or bowel movements, heavy or irregular bleeding, fatigue, and infertility. Many women veterans develop endometriosis during their service years or find that the condition worsened due to delayed diagnosis in military healthcare settings, physical demands of service, or limited access to specialized gynecological care. The VA rates endometriosis based on symptom severity and treatment requirements.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Pelvic pain or heavy or irregular bleeding that requires continuous treatment for control. Symptoms are present and need ongoing hormonal therapy or pain management to stay manageable. |
| 30% | Pelvic pain or heavy or irregular bleeding that is not controlled by treatment. Despite continuous medication, symptoms persist and affect your daily life. |
| 50% | Lesions involving the bowel or bladder (confirmed by laparoscopy), along with pelvic pain or heavy or irregular bleeding not controlled by treatment, and bowel or bladder symptoms. This is the highest rating and requires documented bowel or bladder involvement plus uncontrolled symptoms. |
A confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis substantiated by laparoscopy is required per the CFR — this is the gold standard for diagnosis. Treatment records showing hormonal therapies tried (birth control pills, GnRH agonists, progestins), pain management, and any surgical procedures (laparoscopy, excision) document severity. Records of ER visits or missed work due to pain episodes strengthen the claim. If endometriosis was diagnosed during service or worsened due to delayed military healthcare, service treatment records are essential. Lay statements describing the impact of pain on daily life, work, and relationships are valuable.
Yes. Endometriosis that was diagnosed during military service or that can be linked to service through medical evidence is eligible for service connection. Even if diagnosed after service, if symptoms began during service (documented as severe pelvic pain, heavy periods, or related complaints in your service records), you can establish the connection.
Delayed diagnosis is extremely common with endometriosis — the average delay is 7-10 years from symptom onset to diagnosis. If your service treatment records show complaints of pelvic pain, heavy periods, or related symptoms that were not properly evaluated during service, those records support service connection even with a post-service diagnosis.
Potentially, yes. If endometriosis has spread to the bladder or bowel and causes distinct urinary or digestive symptoms, those may be rated separately under the appropriate diagnostic codes for voiding dysfunction or digestive conditions. Discuss this with your VSO to ensure all affected body systems are claimed.