Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

DC 7527Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7527

An enlarged prostate gland that causes urinary problems. The VA rates BPH based on the predominant urinary dysfunction — either voiding dysfunction (incontinence/frequency) or urinary tract infection, whichever gives the higher rating.

Rating Levels

Your BPH causes urinary frequency with daytime voiding interval less than 1 hour, or awakening to void 5 or more times per night.

What the VA looks for

Daytime voiding interval less than 1 hour
Awakening to void 5+ times per night
Severe impact on sleep and employment
Possible use of catheter or other device

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not keeping a voiding diary that documents how often you urinate during the day and how many times you wake up at night — this directly determines the rating.
⚠Not knowing that BPH can be rated under voiding dysfunction OR urinary frequency OR urinary tract infection — whichever gives the highest rating.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or sleep disturbance caused by frequent nighttime urination.
⚠Not connecting prostate conditions to Agent Orange/herbicide exposure if you served in qualifying locations.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Male Reproductive Organ Conditions
DBQ Kidney Conditions (Nephrology)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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