Endometriosis

DC 7629Genitourinary38 CFR 4.116, DC 7629

A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain and heavy periods. The VA rates endometriosis based on the severity of symptoms and how well they respond to treatment.

Rating Levels

Your endometriosis involves the bowel or bladder (confirmed by laparoscopy), with heavy or irregular bleeding not controlled by treatment. This is the maximum schedular rating.

What the VA looks for

Bowel or bladder involvement confirmed by laparoscopy
Persistent pelvic pain despite treatment
Heavy or irregular bleeding not controlled
Multiple surgical interventions
Significant occupational impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting laparoscopic confirmation of bowel or bladder involvement — the 50% rating specifically requires laparoscopic evidence of deep infiltrating endometriosis.
⚠Not documenting how pelvic pain affects your work — missed days, inability to perform physical tasks, and the need for frequent breaks should all be recorded.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — endometriosis can cause infertility (Special Monthly Compensation), depression, IBS-like symptoms, and painful intercourse.
⚠Not keeping a symptom diary that tracks pain levels, bleeding patterns, and days of incapacitation — this evidence directly supports higher ratings.
⚠Assuming the condition is only rated at lower levels — if treatment is not controlling your symptoms, pursue documentation for the 30% or 50% rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Gynecological Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

Your endometriosis involves the bowel or bladder (confirmed by laparoscopy), with heavy or irregular bleeding not controlled by treatment. This is the maximum schedular rating.

What the VA looks for

Bowel or bladder involvement confirmed by laparoscopy
Persistent pelvic pain despite treatment
Heavy or irregular bleeding not controlled
Multiple surgical interventions
Significant occupational impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting laparoscopic confirmation of bowel or bladder involvement — the 50% rating specifically requires laparoscopic evidence of deep infiltrating endometriosis.

⚠Not documenting how pelvic pain affects your work — missed days, inability to perform physical tasks, and the need for frequent breaks should all be recorded.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — endometriosis can cause infertility (Special Monthly Compensation), depression, IBS-like symptoms, and painful intercourse.

⚠Not keeping a symptom diary that tracks pain levels, bleeding patterns, and days of incapacitation — this evidence directly supports higher ratings.

⚠Assuming the condition is only rated at lower levels — if treatment is not controlling your symptoms, pursue documentation for the 30% or 50% rating.