Prostate Cancer

DC 7528Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7528

Cancer of the prostate gland. The VA assigns a mandatory 100% rating during active treatment. After treatment ends, the rating is re-evaluated based on residual symptoms such as voiding dysfunction or urinary leakage.

Rating Levels

You are undergoing active treatment for prostate cancer — surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. The VA assigns a mandatory 100% rating during active malignancy or treatment. Re-evaluation occurs 6 months after treatment ends.

What the VA looks for

Active prostate cancer diagnosis
Undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy
Pathology report confirming malignancy
Oncology treatment records
PSA levels and imaging results

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing immediately upon diagnosis — the 100% rating during active treatment starts from the date of claim, so file as soon as possible after diagnosis.
⚠Not documenting all residual symptoms after treatment — urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and bowel changes after radiation are each separately ratable.
⚠Not connecting prostate cancer to Agent Orange/herbicide exposure if you served in Vietnam, Thailand, or other qualifying locations — prostate cancer is a presumptive condition for herbicide-exposed veterans.
⚠Not requesting a delay of the post-treatment C&P exam if your residual symptoms have not stabilized — you can ask for re-evaluation once the full extent of residuals is known.
⚠Not filing for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ if treatment caused erectile dysfunction.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Prostate Cancer
DBQ Male Reproductive Organ Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Active prostate cancer diagnosis
Undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy
Pathology report confirming malignancy
Oncology treatment records
PSA levels and imaging results

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing immediately upon diagnosis — the 100% rating during active treatment starts from the date of claim, so file as soon as possible after diagnosis.

⚠Not documenting all residual symptoms after treatment — urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and bowel changes after radiation are each separately ratable.

⚠Not connecting prostate cancer to Agent Orange/herbicide exposure if you served in Vietnam, Thailand, or other qualifying locations — prostate cancer is a presumptive condition for herbicide-exposed veterans.

⚠Not requesting a delay of the post-treatment C&P exam if your residual symptoms have not stabilized — you can ask for re-evaluation once the full extent of residuals is known.

⚠Not filing for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ if treatment caused erectile dysfunction.