Hysterectomy VA Ratings and Additional Compensation

Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries for women in the United States. By age 60, nearly one in three women will have undergone the procedure. Among women veterans, the rates are even higher and often occur at a younger age.  

Studies show that 16.8% of women veterans have had a hysterectomy compared to 13.3% of non-veterans, with veterans averaging surgery at age 35 versus 43 for civilians. Within the VA health system, the prevalence is striking: about 32% of women veterans of any age reported having had a hysterectomy.

How to Service Connect Hysterectomy

To receive VA disability benefits, you must show that your hysterectomy is connected to your military service. Direct service connection requires evidence that the condition started during service. Secondary service connection applies if a different service-connected disability led to the need for hysterectomy. Finally, if your military service aggravated an existing condition, you may also qualify. 

What Conditions Lead to Hysterectomy?

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are one of the most common reasons for hysterectomy. These noncancerous growths can cause pain, heavy bleeding, and other complications that interfere with daily life. Some veterans develop fibroids during or after service, leading to a medically necessary hysterectomy. Learn more about VA disability ratings for Cysts. 

Cancer

Reproductive cancers, including uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer, may require hysterectomy as part of treatment. If cancer is service-connected or aggravated by service, the surgery and its residual effects may also be service-connected. See how cancers qualify for a VA disability rating. 

Endometriosis

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain, infertility, and organ damage. For many veterans, hysterectomy becomes the only effective treatment option when other therapies fail. 

MST and PTSD

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is linked to a higher rate of hysterectomies among women veterans. Sexual assault and pelvic trauma during service can leave long-term gynecological damage. In many cases, these injuries or chronic conditions make a hysterectomy medically necessary. 

The psychological impact of MST is also important. Veterans who experienced sexual assault, severe physical assault, or other traumatic injuries in service often develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When those same events also cause gynecological damage requiring a hysterectomy, both conditions may share the same in-service stressor. However, the VA may rate them separately if each is a distinct, diagnosable disability. 

The hysterectomy itself can also act as a traumatic event. If the surgery was performed under emergency conditions such as during combat, after a severe injury, or in response to an MST-related complication, the sudden loss of reproductive organs may trigger PTSD. For some veterans, the procedure creates intense feelings of fear, helplessness, or loss, which are classic PTSD triggers. 

In addition, undergoing a hysterectomy can cause secondary trauma. Veterans may experience grief over infertility, hormonal changes that worsen mental health symptoms, or body image issues that complicate recovery. These emotional struggles can aggravate existing PTSD or create new mental health challenges that also qualify for service connection. 

Pregnancy and Birth Related Complications

Pregnancy and childbirth complications during military service can sometimes result in a hysterectomy. Causes include severe postpartum hemorrhage, uterine rupture (especially during labor after a C-section), and placental disorders such as placenta accreta, increta, or percreta, which can lead to uncontrolled bleeding. Infections after delivery, complicated C-sections, or gynecological conditions like fibroids and endometriosis worsened by pregnancy may also require removal of the uterus if other treatments fail. When a hysterectomy occurs due to these service-related complications, it can be considered service-connected. 

VA Requirements for Service Connection

To receive disability compensation, the VA must see that your hysterectomy is connected to your service. There are three main ways to show this: 

Direct Service Connection

This applies if the condition that required hysterectomy started during service. For example, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or pelvic trauma diagnosed while on active duty. To prove this, you need: 

• A current diagnosis confirming hysterectomy or its residuals 
• Service treatment records showing the condition began in service 
• A medical nexus opinion linking the hysterectomy to that in-service condition 

Secondary Service Connection 

In some cases, hysterectomy is the result of another service-connected disability. Examples include: 

• Ovarian cysts or reproductive cancers already rated as service-connected 
• Gynecological damage from MST or other in-service trauma 
• Service-connected conditions that directly led to surgery 

Here, the hysterectomy is considered secondary to the primary condition, but compensation still applies.

Aggravation of a Pre-Existing Condition 

If you entered service with a condition such as mild endometriosis and your time in service aggravated the condition beyond its natural progression, leading to hysterectomy, the VA may grant service connection for the degree of worsening.

What Every Hysterectomy Claim Needs 

Regardless of type, all VA disability claims must include: 

• Proof of hysterectomy or related complications 
• Evidence of in-service cause, event, or aggravation 
• A medical opinion tying the condition to service 

The C&P Exam for Hysterectomy

The VA will require you to undergo a C&P exam as part of its disability evaluation if it requires more information to process your claim for veterans benefits. Results from this medical examination will help the VA determine your disability rating.  

Here is what you can expect as a claimant undergoing a C&P exam: 

1. The doctor will review your disability claim. 
2. The doctor will then ask you questions about the medical records in your claim file. Questions may come from the Disability Claims Questionnaire relating to each medical condition that you have claimed has a service connection.  
3. You may need to have additional tests performed if the doctor requests them. An exam related to VA disability for hysterectomy might include a pap smear, hysteroscopy, dilation and curettage, or another typical gynecological procedure. The purpose of these tests is to look for abnormalities such as cancer cells to support your claim for disability compensation benefits.  
4. After completing your C&P exam, the doctor forwards your updated medical records to the Department of Veterans Affairs for further review. You will not receive a copy of the doctor’s report unless you request it. The VA uses this report along with your previous medical records, statements you and others have provided about your gynecological conditions and hysterectomy, medical records from the military, and personnel records from the military. 

If you receive a favorable result from your C & P exam, the doctor will complete a medical opinion sent to the VA outlining why your gynecological conditions and hysterectomy relate to your military service. You could also receive an unfavorable result, which means the doctor does not feel a service connection exists with your current medical condition. The doctor may have been missing important medical records to establish the service connection or may not be experienced enough with your specific gynecological conditions to rule favorably.  Whatever the reason for the unfavorable result, you have options to refute it.

At Hill & Ponton, we often recommend an independent medical examination (IME) from a different healthcare provider. Depending on your specific gynecological conditions, you may not need to appear in person for your IME if the second doctor can simply review your medical records.

What Is the VA Rating for Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy can be rated at 30%, 50% or 100%, based on the level of reproductive organ loss and recovery time. The VA assigns the disability ratings for hysterectomy under several different diagnostic codes, depending on the type of surgery performed.

• 100% rating – Assigned for the first three months after surgery
• 50% rating – Removal of the uterus and both ovaries (Diagnostic Code 7617) 
• 30% rating – Removal of the uterus, including the cervix, without removal of both ovaries (Diagnostic Code 7618) 
• 0% or 30% rating for partial removal – If only part of the uterus is removed (supracervical hysterectomy), the VA rates it under Diagnostic Code 7619, which applies to the removal of one ovary or equivalent organ loss. 

If your rating is 30% or higher, the VA will also consider whether you have dependents who rely on your financial support. In that case, you may receive additional monthly compensation on top of your disability rating. 

VA Benefits for Hysterectomy

In addition to standard monthly disability compensation, veterans with a service-connected hysterectomy may qualify for the following extra benefits. 

Special Monthly Compensation for Hysterectomy 

The VA awards Special Monthly Compensation for the loss of use of a creative organ, which includes removal of the uterus, ovaries, or both. SMC-K is paid in addition to your regular disability rating and does not reduce your percentage rating. 

For example, a veteran who receives 50% under Diagnostic Code 7617 for removal of the uterus and both ovaries may also qualify for SMC-K. This increases total monthly payment beyond the base disability rate. 

Dependency Benefits

If your disability rating is 30% or higher, the VA provides additional compensation for qualified dependents. These can include a spouse, children, or dependent parents. Dependency benefits are separate from Special Monthly Compensation. 

TDIU

Veterans who cannot maintain gainful employment due to hysterectomy or related conditions may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). It pays at the 100% disability rate, even if the schedular rating is lower. Our TDIU lawyers may be able to help you obtain this benefit. 

Increase Your Rating with Secondary Conditions

A hysterectomy can create or worsen other medical conditions. The VA allows these secondary conditions to be rated separately if they are linked to your service-connected hysterectomy, which can lead to a higher combined rating and compensation. 

Mental Health Conditions

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD may develop if the hysterectomy was connected to a traumatic event such as:

• Emergency surgery after a military injury 
• Traumatic childbirth or miscarriage during service 
• A cancer diagnosis or life-threatening reproductive condition 
• Infertility or body image changes causing emotional distress 

Hormonal changes after surgery may also aggravate pre-existing PTSD symptoms like nightmares, hypervigilance, or intrusive thoughts. If PTSD was already service-connected, you may qualify for an aggravation claim. 

Symptom Overlap and Aggravation

PTSD symptoms can also overlap with or worsen after hysterectomy. Hormonal changes caused by the removal of reproductive organs may increase vulnerability to anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. If a veteran already has a service-connected PTSD diagnosis, the hysterectomy may aggravate that condition, creating grounds for an aggravation claim. 

This means veterans can be compensated both for the physical effects of hysterectomy and for the worsening of pre-existing PTSD due to the surgery. Contact our PTSD lawyers for assistance. 

Depression

Removal of the ovaries leads to a sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone, which play a key role in mood regulation. Veterans may also face:

• Grief for the loss of fertility 
• Body image struggles affecting self-esteem 
• Emotional trauma if the hysterectomy followed MST, cancer, or severe injury 

These factors can trigger major depression, which may be rated as secondary to hysterectomy. 

VA Ratings for Depression Secondary to Hysterectomy

The VA rates depression and other mental health conditions from 0% to 100%, using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders to evaluate how symptoms limit work and daily life:

• 0% – Diagnosis is present, but symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with work or social life. 
• 10% – Mild symptoms, well-controlled by medication; minimal impact on daily life. 
• 30% – Occasional decrease in work efficiency; symptoms like persistent low mood, anxiety, or chronic sleep disturbance. 
• 50% – Reduced reliability and productivity; frequent symptoms affect work, family, and relationships. 
• 70% – Deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family, judgment, or mood); severe symptoms may include suicidal ideation or inability to handle stress. 
• 100% – Total occupational and social impairment; unable to work or maintain relationships because of persistent, severe symptoms. 

We can help you find out more about how VA rates depression and how to claim benefits. 

Anxiety

Hormonal changes and psychosocial stress after hysterectomy can cause anxiety disorders, including GAD or panic disorder. Triggers may include:

• Fear of cancer recurrence or osteoporosis 
• Concerns about relationships and sexual function 
• Resurfacing of MST or combat trauma tied to the hysterectomy 

VA Ratings for Anxiety Secondary to Hysterectomy

Anxiety disorders are rated from 0% to 100% under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The rating depends on the intensity of symptoms such as panic attacks, excessive worry, and social withdrawal.  

Adjustment Disorder

Adjustment disorder may arise when veterans struggle to cope with the sudden life change of a hysterectomy. Common challenges include:

• Loss of reproductive ability 
• Strain in relationships or intimacy 
• Recovery difficulties combined with hormonal changes 
• Stress from chronic pain or ongoing complications 

VA Ratings for Adjustment Disorder Secondary to Hysterectomy

Adjustment disorder is rated under the same formula for mental disorders, with ratings from 0% to 100%, but the VA looks at how symptoms of stress, mood swings, or difficulty to adapt affect your everyday life. See all the Adjustment Disorder VA Ratings.

Genitourinary and Sexual Function Disorders

A hysterectomy, especially when it involves removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy), can lead to long-term genitourinary and sexual health problems. These secondary conditions may be rated separately by the VA if they are tied to your service-connected hysterectomy. Common complications include: 

• Dyspareunia – Pain during sexual intercourse. 
• Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) – Reduced ability to become aroused due to hormonal or psychological factors. 
• Urinary incontinence or pelvic floor dysfunction – Loss of bladder control or weakened pelvic muscles. 

Hormonal changes play a major role. When the ovaries are removed, estrogen and testosterone levels drop. This can reduce vaginal lubrication, lower blood flow to genital tissue, and decrease sexual responsiveness. 

Psychological factors may also worsen these conditions. Depression, anxiety, or body image changes after hysterectomy can make sexual dysfunction or urinary problems more severe, potentially entitling veterans to additional compensation.