Dysmenorrhea VA Rating Explained: How to Get 0%, 10%, or 30% Disability

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Getting a dysmenorrhea VA rating can feel confusing, but veterans can qualify for VA disability compensation with the right medical evidence and service connection.

Dysmenorrhea is a gynecological condition that causes severe menstrual cramps and pelvic pain, often interfering with daily life and work. When dysmenorrhea is linked to an underlying ovarian or gynecological condition—and that condition can be connected to military service—it may qualify for VA disability benefits as a direct or secondary condition.

In this guide, we’ll explain how the VA rates dysmenorrhea, what evidence you need to prove service connection, how to prepare for a C&P exam, and how ratings of 0%, 10%, or 30% are assigned under 38 CFR § 4.116, Diagnostic Code 7615.

Summary of Key Points

• Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstrual cramps, affects most people with periods, but for veterans, it can stem from service-related stress, injuries, or exposures, making it eligible for VA disability compensation if properly service-connected. 

• Under 38 CFR 4.116, dysmenorrhea resulting from an underlying ovarian or gynecological condition is rated under Diagnostic Code 7615 at 0%, 10%, or 30% based on treatment needs and symptom control. 

• You can secure a dysmenorrhea VA disability rating by proving a current diagnosis, identifying an in-service event, and linking the two with a medical nexus. 

What is Dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful menstrual periods, characterized by throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen that can disrupt daily life. According to the Mayo Clinic, it affects many menstruating individuals, with severity ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that interferes with work, exercise, or social activities. 

There are two main types: 

• Primary Dysmenorrhea: This is the most common form and is not caused by an underlying disease. It typically begins in adolescence and is triggered by natural uterine contractions during menstruation, driven by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that cause inflammation and pain. It often improves with age or after childbirth. 

• Secondary Dysmenorrhea: This is caused by reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis (abnormal tissue growth outside the uterus), uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths), adenomyosis (uterine lining invading the muscle wall), pelvic inflammatory disease (often from sexually transmitted infections), or cervical stenosis (narrowing of the cervix). As noted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, secondary dysmenorrhea may start later in life and requires treating the root cause for relief. 

For veterans, military service can exacerbate dysmenorrhea through physical demands, stress, or exposures that aggravate gynecological issues. The VA Whole Health Library recognizes dysmenorrhea as painful pelvic cramping associated with menses, often with low back and thigh pain, emphasizing holistic management alongside potential disability claims. 

Symptoms

The pain of dysmenorrhea usually starts one to three days before your period and peaks within 24 hours of onset, lasting two to three days.  

Symptoms can vary but commonly include: 

• Throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen, which may feel intense and radiate to the lower back and thighs 

• Dull, aching pressure in the pelvis or hips 

• Nausea, vomiting, or loose stools (diarrhea) 

• Headaches, dizziness, or fatigue 

• In severe cases, fainting or difficulty concentrating, impacting daily tasks like physical training or duty 

According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors include starting menstruation early (before age 12), heavy or irregular periods, smoking, or family history. For veterans, untreated symptoms can lead to missed work or reduced quality of life, underscoring the need for a VA rating for dysmenorrhea. 

Dysmenorrhea VA Rating

The VA evaluates dysmenorrhea under the gynecological conditions and disorders of the breast section of the Schedule of Ratings 38 CFR 4.116, Diagnostic Code 7615 (disease, injury, or adhesions of the ovaries resulting in ovarian dysfunction affecting the menstrual cycle). This covers painful menstruation, like dysmenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea. 

Ratings are assigned based on the General Rating Formula for Disease, Injury, or Adhesions of Female Reproductive Organs: 

• 30%: Symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment 

• 10%: Symptoms that require continuous treatment 

• 0%: Symptoms that do not require continuous treatment 

If your cramps stem from service-related aggravation, you deserve compensation. 

VA Rating Chart for Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea ratings are based on the General Rating Formula under DC 7615. If painful motion or episodes qualify under other codes (e.g., IVDS), separate ratings may apply. 

Criteria	VA Disability Rating
Symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment	30%
Symptoms that require continuous treatment	10%
Symptoms that do not require continuous treatment	0%

Note: Continuous treatment includes medications, therapy, or procedures. A minimum of 10% may apply if symptoms cause functional impairment. Source: 38 CFR 4.116. 

How to Prove Service Connection

Veterans suffering from dysmenorrhea due to their military service must prove service connection when filing a dysmenorrhea VA disability claim. 

To receive VA disability for dysmenorrhea, you must meet the following requirements for service connection: 

1. A current diagnosis of dysmenorrhea, confirmed by a healthcare provider (e.g., via pelvic exam or history per the VA Gynecological Conditions DBQ), and 

2. An in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation, such as high-stress deployments, physical trauma from training, or exposures linked to pelvic issues, and 

3. A medical nexus (link) between your current diagnosis and your in-service event, injury, or illness (can be a Nexus Letter from a qualified doctor). 

Proving a nexus is key; many veterans use an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) to bridge the gap. 

How to File a VA Claim for Dysmenorrhea

Filing a claim for a dysmenorrhea VA rating follows the standard VA process but requires targeted evidence for gynecological conditions. Here’s step-by-step instructions from the VA: 

1. Gather Documentation: Collect medical records showing your current diagnosis and symptoms, service treatment records (STRs) noting in-service issues, and a medical nexus letter linking it to service. Include lay statements from fellow service members on how military life worsened your cramps. 

2. Complete VA Form 21-526EZ: Download the Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits form and detail how dysmenorrhea affects your daily life (e.g., missing work during cycles). 

3. Submit Your Claim: File online at VA.gov, by mail to the Claims Intake Center (PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444), in person at a VA regional office, or by fax. Use an accredited VSO for their expertise. 

4. Attend Your C&P Exam: The VA may schedule this to verify your condition. You can prepare by reviewing your DBQ. Be open and honest with the examiner. 

5. Await Decision and Appeal if Needed: The average processing time for VA claims is 81.1 days as of November 2025. If you feel you’re underrated, appeal within one year to protect your effective date. 

Start with an Intent to File for back pay. For personalized support, book a call with VA Claims Insider. 

C&P Exam

The compensation and pension (C&P) exam for dysmenorrhea uses the VA Gynecological Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) to assess severity.  

You should bring a detailed history of your menstrual cycles, pain onset, and treatments (e.g., NSAIDs, hormonal therapy). The examiner will likely perform a pelvic exam to check for underlying issues like fibroids or endometriosis. You’ll also need to answer questions regarding symptom frequency, impact on work/life, and continuous treatment needs. 

It’s important to be honest with your examiner about your dysmenorrhea symptoms — exaggeration can hurt your claim. Bring records and detail how your service aggravated symptoms.  

Pro tip: Review the DBQ beforehand. For prep, watch Top 10 C&P Exam Prep Tips in Just 10 Minutes. 

Conclusion

If you’ve been suffering from painful menstrual cramps and can prove that your current diagnosis of dysmenorrhea is connected to your time in service, depending on the underlying ovarian or gynecological condition, there’s VA compensation waiting for you.  

The VA rates dysmenorrhea at 0%, 10%, and 30% based on whether continuous treatment is needed and whether the condition is controlled by that treatment.  

Securing a dysmenorrhea VA rating can provide the financial relief and recognition you deserve for service-connected pain.  

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. At VA Claims Insider, we enable you to understand and take control of the claims process so you can get the rating and compensation you’re owed by law. Our process takes the guesswork out of filing a VA disability claim and supports you every step of the way in building a fully developed claim (FDC). 

If you’ve filed your VA disability claim and have been denied or have received a low rating — or you’re unsure how to get started — reach out to us! Take advantage of a VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE! 

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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a VA rating for dysmenorrhea?

Yes, you can get a VA rating for dysmenorrhea if you can prove that your dysmenorrhea is service-connected and is associated with an underlying ovarian or gynecological condition under DC 7615. You’ll need to secure a current diagnosis; identify an in-service event, illness, injury, or aggravation; and a medical nexus linking the two. The VA rates dysmenorrhea at 0%, 10%, or 30%. 

What is the maximum VA rating for dysmenorrhea?

The maximum VA rating for dysmenorrhea is 30% if symptoms aren’t controlled by continuous treatment, per 38 CFR 4.116, Diagnostic Code 7615. 

How do I get a medical nexus letter for my dysmenorrhea VA claim?

You can obtain a medical nexus letter by requesting one from a specialist who can link your condition to your service. 

Does secondary dysmenorrhea qualify for higher VA ratings?

Yes, if tied to rated conditions, such as endometriosis (up to 50% under DC 7629). You can bundle claims for extraschedular consideration. 

How long does it take to receive a VA disability rating for dysmenorrhea?

Getting a VA disability rating for dysmenorrhea usually takes between three and six months, but appeals can extend that timeframe. However, claims submitted as Fully Developed Claims (FDCs), with all supporting evidence included up front, are generally processed faster than standard claims.

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