Diagnostic Code 7625 · 38 CFR §4.116
A urethrovaginal fistula is an abnormal opening between the urethra and the vagina, causing urinary leakage through the vaginal canal. This condition results in continuous or stress-related urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, and significant quality of life disruption. It can develop from traumatic injury, surgical complications, difficult childbirth, or radiation damage. Veterans may acquire this condition through injuries during service or complications from military medical procedures.
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 100% | Multiple urethrovaginal fistulae. |
| 60% | Requires the use of an appliance or the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed more than four times per day. |
| 40% | Requires the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed two to four times per day. |
| 20% | Requires the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed less than two times per day. |
Urological examination documenting the fistula is essential. Cystourethrogram or other imaging confirming the fistula location and size provides objective evidence. Urodynamic testing showing the degree of incontinence quantifies the severity. Records of surgical repair attempts and outcomes are important. Detailed documentation of absorbent material usage — how many pads per day and how often you change them — is critical because ratings are directly tied to this metric.
Keep a daily log of how many absorbent pads or garments you use and how frequently you change them. The rating levels are based on changes per day: less than two changes is 20 percent, two to four changes is 40 percent, and more than four changes is 60 percent. Multiple fistulae automatically rate at 100 percent regardless of pad usage.
Multiple urethrovaginal fistulae receive an automatic 100 percent rating under DC 7625. Make sure your medical records document each individual fistula. This is the highest rating level for this condition.