Diagnostic Code 7628 · 38 CFR §4.116
DC 7628 covers benign (non-cancerous) tumors and growths of the gynecological system, including ovarian dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, benign uterine polyps, and other non-malignant growths. Unlike malignant neoplasms (DC 7627) which receive a flat 100 percent rating during treatment, benign neoplasms do not have their own specific rating percentages. Instead, the CFR directs that chronic residuals be rated under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific impairment — including scars, lymphedema, disfigurement, and other functional effects. Veterans may develop these conditions during or after service, and they can be connected to service when caused by environmental exposures, infections, or other service-related factors.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| See pathways% | DC 7628 has no native percentage scale. The CFR directs that chronic residuals of benign gynecological neoplasms be rated under the appropriate body-system code for the specific impairment. Scarring is rated under DC 7800–7805. Organ removal (e.g., hysterectomy) is rated under DC 7617 / 7618 / 7619 (uterus/cervix/ovary removal). Voiding dysfunction from bladder involvement is rated under 38 CFR 4.115a criteria. Multiple residuals can each be separately rated and combined. |
Imaging studies (ultrasound, MRI, CT scan) documenting the tumor are necessary. Pathology reports confirming the benign nature of the growth are important. Treatment records showing symptoms, monitoring schedule, and any procedures performed demonstrate the impact. If surgical removal was required, operative and pathology reports are essential. Medical records connecting the condition to service establish eligibility. Documentation of all residual effects (scars, organ removal, functional limitations) supports the separate ratings under other codes.
Your compensation comes from ratings assigned to the residual effects under other diagnostic codes. For example, if the benign tumor required a hysterectomy, that is rated at 30 or 50 percent under DC 7617 or 7618. If it caused scars, those are rated under scar codes. File claims for each specific residual to maximize your compensation.
If your benign tumor required removal of the uterus, you would be rated under the hysterectomy code (DC 7617 or 7618) rather than DC 7628. The benign tumor is the reason for the surgery, but the rating is based on the surgical outcome, which typically provides a meaningful rating.