Genitourinary System Disorders: VA Ratings, Benefits, and Tips
CCK Law: Our Vital Role in Veterans Law
If you developed a genitourinary disorder during military service, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits.
Genitourinary conditions are often serious and common, in our experience. Examples of genitourinary conditions include kidney stones, renal failure, and prostate cancer. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’s 2024 Annual Benefits Report, the genitourinary system is the ninth most common body system for all service-connected disabilities among compensation recipients. As of 2024, nearly 1,179,000 veterans have a service-connected disability that affects the genitourinary system.
This guide will help you understand genitourinary conditions, determine the potential benefits associated with your genitourinary VA rating, and pursue a claim or appeal.
What Is the Genitourinary System?
The genitourinary system consists of the following:
- Organs of the reproductive system (i.e., the vagina, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, external genitalia, and perineum in women, and the prostate gland, testicles, epididymis, and penis in men)
- The urinary system (i.e., the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra)
These two systems are commonly grouped together because of their proximity to each other and their use of common pathways.
The primary functions of the genitourinary system include the following:
- Excretion of liquid waste products
- Regulation of blood volume
- Electrolyte regulation
- Acid-base balance regulation
- Arterial blood pressure regulation
What Are Common Service-Connected Genitourinary Conditions?
Some common examples of VA-rated genitourinary conditions include renal failure, kidney stones, prostate cancer, and more.
Disorders of the genitourinary system include a range of conditions, from those that are asymptomatic (i.e., showing no symptoms) to those that manifest an array of signs and symptoms. Genitourinary disorders can result from congenital factors, infectious diseases, trauma, or conditions that secondarily involve the urinary structure.
However, many veterans experience conditions related to the genitourinary system as a result of service-related injuries or diseases.
- If veterans believe their genitourinary condition was caused or aggravated by their time in service, they should consider filing a claim for VA disability compensation.
- If VA improperly denied benefits for a veteran’s genitourinary condition (common), the veteran should consider a prompt appeal. (Note that it is legal to hire a VA-accredited attorney to assist with appeals.)
- If a veteran’s genitourinary condition has worsened since their original rating, they should consider an increased rating claim.
A successful claim or appeal will always require proving service connection.
Service Connection for Conditions of the Genitourinary System
“If you have a service-connected condition, you may be eligible for compensation. A service-connected condition means an illness or injury that was caused by—or got worse because of—your active military service” (VA website).
In other words, to receive a VA rating for genitourinary system conditions, veterans must demonstrate that their current condition is related to their time in service.
To prove direct service connection for conditions of the genitourinary system, veterans must collect (with VA assistance) evidence of the following:
- A current diagnosis of a condition
- An in-service event, injury, or illness
- A medical “nexus” opinion linking the current, diagnosed condition to the in-service event, injury, or illness
After reviewing your claims file and the evidence you submitted, as well as gathering any evidence that it deems relevant, VA will make a decision on your claim. If VA concedes service connection for your genitourinary condition, it will then assign a disability rating based on severity.
Is There “Presumptive Service Connection” for Genitourinary System Conditions?
VA provides presumptive service connection for certain genitourinary system conditions under specific circumstances. These conditions are considered service-connected without requiring direct evidence of causation. Presumptions are usually created in cases of exposure to certain environmental hazards or participation in specific conflicts.
You can use the CCK Law VA Claim Builder to automatically find presumptions that you may be eligible for. Some examples are provided below.
How VA Rates Genitourinary Conditions
Genitourinary conditions are rated under 38 CFR § 4.115a, Ratings of the Genitourinary System – Dysfunctions. Conditions affecting kidney function are referred to as “renal,” while ureters, urethra, and bladder conditions are called “urinary.”
Urinary Rating System
There are three different urinary rating systems, which we discuss below.
A condition is evaluated under urinary frequency if it causes the body to urinate more often than normal. The rating criteria are as follows:
- 40 percent – urinating more than every hour daily or five or more times during the night
- 20 percent – urinating every 1-2 hours daily or 3-4 times per night
- 10 percent – urinating every 2-3 hours daily or at least twice at night
- Obstructed Voiding
The obstructed voiding rating system is reserved for conditions that make it hard to urinate. The following disability ratings may be assigned:
- 30 percent – a catheter is needed constantly or intermittently
- 10 percent – slow or weak stream, hesitancy to start urinating, and one or more of the following: (1) more than 150cc of urine left in the bladder after urinating; (2) less than 10cc of urine passing through ureter every second; (3) regular urinary tract infections due to obstruction; (4) narrow urethra requires dilatation treatments every 2-3 months
- 0 percent – slow or weak stream, hesitancy to start urinating, or narrowing of the urethra that requires dilatation treatments only once or twice per year
All urinary conditions that cannot be rated with the systems above are rated by this system, as follows:
- 60 percent – the condition either constantly requires the use of a catheter to remove urine or requires the use of absorbent materials that need to be changed more than 4 times per day
- 40 percent – requiring absorbent materials that need to be changed 2-4 times per day
- 20 percent – requiring absorbent materials that need to be changed once per day
Renal Rating System
For all renal conditions, VA uses a general rating formula. The criteria are listed below:
- 100 percent – Requires regular dialysis, the body cannot perform physical activity due to albuminuria or persistent edema, or a BUN (blood urea nitrogen) of more than 80mg/dL, or more than 9 mg/dL of creatinine in the blood, or severely decreased kidney operation
- 80 percent – There is a level of 4 to 8 mg/dL of creatinine in the blood, or albuminuria with a BUN of 40 to 80 mg/dL with persistent edema, or overall poor health symptomized by lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, weakness, or the inability to exert much energy
- 60 percent – Definite decrease in kidney function, or constant albuminuria with some edema, or hypertension with an average diastolic pressure above 120
- 30 percent – Albumin is present in urine with either red blood cells or hyaline and granular casts, or slight edema, or hypertension with diastolic pressure averaging above 100 or systolic pressuring averaging above 160
- 0 percent – Albumin and casts are present in the urine with a history of nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys) or hypertension is present with average diastolic pressure less than 100 or with average systolic pressure less than 160
Examples of renal conditions that are rated according to the general formula outlined above include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Nephrectomy (Diagnostic Code 7500) – the removal of one kidney. This condition will automatically be rated at 30 percent. A higher rating may be warranted based on the working condition of the remaining kidney.
- Nephritis (Diagnostic Code 7502) – the swelling of the nephrons inside the kidney. This condition can only be rated if it is directly caused by an infectious disease and has continued despite appropriate treatment of the disease.
- Interstitial nephritis (Diagnostic Code 7537) – occurs when the spaces between the tubules in the kidney swell.
- Pyelonephritis (Diagnostic Code 7504) – a form of nephritis where a urinary tract infection has spread up to the kidney. This condition can be rated on either the renal rating system or on the ratings for a urinary tract infection, whichever results in a higher rating.
- Kidney Disease (Diagnostic Code 7530) – any kidney disease that requires regular dialysis.
- Kidney Transplant (Diagnostic Code 7531) – rated 100 percent for one year following the transplant surgery. After the one-year period, the condition is re-evaluated and rated on any symptom under the renal rating system. The minimum rating is 30 percent.
- Atherosclerotic renal disease (Code 7534) – also known as renal artery stenosis or atheroembolic renal disease. A condition where the artery to the kidney narrows and decreases the blood flow to the kidney.
- Toxic nephropathy (Diagnostic Code 7535) – any damage to the kidney that is caused by any kind of chemical or biological product that enters the blood stream.
Cancers of the Genitourinary System
Veterans diagnosed with service-connected cancers of the genitourinary system are typically awarded a 100 percent temporary total VA rating while the veteran is receiving treatment and for six months following the successful completion of treatment.
After that, veterans are then rated on “residuals” (i.e., conditions resulting from the cancer or treatment), such as obstructed voiding for prostate cancer, for example.
More Information about Specific Genitourinary Conditions
If you have one of the conditions below, we have additional resources that might be useful for your claim or appeal. You can also consider searching the CCK Law YouTube channel for your condition or question.
- Urinary Incontinence – Veterans experiencing urinary leakage may qualify for VA disability benefits, depending on the severity of their condition. Learn more about VA disability benefits for urinary incontinence.
- Bladder Cancer – The VA assigns disability ratings for bladder cancer based on active treatment and long-term effects. Discover how the VA evaluates this condition by reading how the VA rates bladder cancer.
- Testicular Cancer – Veterans diagnosed with testicular cancer may be eligible for VA disability compensation. Find out more about the claims process and ratings in this article on testicular cancer VA disability claims.
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED) – Did you know that the VA provides Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for erectile dysfunction? If ED is linked to a service-connected condition, veterans may qualify for benefits. Learn more about VA disability benefits for ED.
- Prostate Cancer – Veterans with prostate cancer may receive a 100 percent disability rating during treatment, with ratings adjusted based on lasting effects. Find out what to expect during a VA C&P exam for prostate cancer.
Understanding how the VA rates these conditions is essential for securing the benefits you deserve. If you or a fellow veteran are dealing with a genitourinary condition, exploring your VA disability options can be the first step toward receiving proper compensation.
Can’t Work? TDIU and Genitourinary Conditions
Genitourinary conditions can have a severe impact on a person’s ability to hold a job. For example, the need for frequent, unplanned bathroom breaks or the inability to perform strenuous labor are examples of symptoms that interfere with employment.
Total disability based on individual unemployability, or TDIU, is a VA benefit that compensates veterans at a 100 percent rate if the veteran cannot maintain “substantially gainful employment” due to their service-connected conditions.
VA may not be aware of the veteran’s employment circumstances, and thus, VA may not notify eligible veterans. Therefore, if you feel you may be eligible for TDIU, you may need to pursue this claim, either yourself or with the help of a VA-accredited advocate.
What Are the Types of TDIU?
There are two kinds of TDIU: schedular and extraschedular.
Veterans affected by a genitourinary condition may be eligible for TDIU if they meet certain criteria.
- The veteran has one disability rated at least 60 percent disabling; OR
- The veteran has more than one service-connected disability, with one condition rated at least 40 percent and a combined rating of at least 70 percent.
Note that VA uses a complex formula to combine ratings. You can use the CCK Law disability calculator to estimate your combined rating.
Veterans who do not meet these requirements but are still unable to work may qualify for TDIU on an extraschedular basis.
Getting Help Obtaining VA Benefits for a Genitourinary Condition
Veterans filing an initial claim for a genitourinary condition may benefit from using the CCK VA Claim Builder or seeking the assistance of an accredited representative to help with their claim. Accredited representatives know the ins and outs of VA’s claims and appeals process and help veterans navigate the requirements.
If you need to challenge a VA decision, file a supplemental claim, apply for TDIU or Special Monthly Compensation, or request an increased rating for a genitourinary condition, CCK Law may be allowed to assist you directly. Call us or contact us online to request a free case evaluation.
