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For many women veterans, a hysterectomy can be life-changing—not only physically and emotionally, but also in terms of VA disability benefits. If your hysterectomy was caused by, or linked to, your military service, you may be entitled to a hysterectomy VA rating.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the VA rates hysterectomies, what conditions may qualify, how secondary conditions come into play, and what additional benefits, like scars or Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), may be available.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- The VA awards a 100% hysterectomy VA rating for the first three months after surgery, followed by 20%, 30%, or 50% depending on the extent of the procedure.
- To qualify, veterans must prove a service connection—either directly (injury, condition during service) or presumptively (e.g., reproductive cancers linked to toxic exposure).
- Secondary conditions such as depression, infertility, or PTSD related to a hysterectomy may also qualify for VA disability benefits.
- Veterans may also qualify for scar ratings and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) depending on complications or impact on daily life.
Hysterectomy VA Ratings
Hysterectomy VA ratings can be 20%, 30%, or 50%—with a 100% VA rating assigned for the initial three months following the surgical procedure.
The VA determines your hysterectomy VA rating by assessing how significantly it affects your daily life. The VA evaluation will consider factors like complications, recovery duration, and the resulting restrictions.
A hysterectomy is currently rated according to the guidelines outlined in 38 CFR § 4.116.
Typically, the VA usually assigns a 100% hysterectomy VA rating for the initial three months.
Subsequently, the rating you receive will hinge upon the scope of the procedure.
If both your uterus and ovaries were removed, the VA will designate a VA disability rating of 50% after the three-month period.
In the scenario where only the uterus is removed while the ovaries persist and function, you’ll receive a 30% hysterectomy VA rating after the three-month period. Should your ovaries remain but become nonfunctional, your VA rating will be 20%.
Getting a VA Rating for Hysterectomy
To get a VA rating, you must be able to prove service connection. However, establishing service connection for a hysterectomy can present challenges.
It typically requires linking the need for the operation to a specific injury or incident that occurred during your time in service. However, there are scenarios where the connection is more straightforward.
For Gulf War or post-9/11 era veterans exposed to burn pit toxins and subsequently diagnosed with reproductive cancers like uterine, ovarian, or cervical cancer, these conditions are considered presumptive.
This designation eliminates the need to prove the direct link between your reproductive cancer and your service.
An example of a service-connected hysterectomy could involve sustaining an abdominal injury while serving.
If damage to your uterus occurred as a result, necessitating its removal for life-saving purposes, this would establish a direct service connection.
Additionally, if scar tissue complications emerged post-service, leading to a later hysterectomy, this, too, would qualify as a service connection.
Secondary Conditions to Hysterectomy
Secondary service-connected conditions stem from an established service-related disability and are deemed linked to service if no other cause can be identified.
For female veterans who underwent a hysterectomy leading to secondary service-connected conditions, these conditions might qualify for disability benefits.
An example of this is a woman no longer being able to get pregnant or have more children due to the hysterectomy. She may develop depression due to her inability to have children.
The depression may qualify as a secondary condition, and she may be able to receive VA disability compensation for the depression in addition to her hysterectomy.
Another example of a secondary service connection to a hysterectomy is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If a woman incurred severe injuries during service, necessitating a hysterectomy, the trauma from both the injury and the need for the procedure could lead to PTSD.
In this case, PTSD would be considered secondary to the primary service connection.
VA Disability for Hysterectomy Scar
The surgical procedure of a hysterectomy often leaves a prominent scar. Scar VA disability ratings consider the size, location, and resulting impairment caused by the scar. A larger, more symptomatic scar might warrant a higher VA disability rating.
Special Monthly Compensation for Hysterectomy
In cases where a hysterectomy significantly affects a veteran’s ability to work or requires ongoing medical care, they might be eligible for special monthly compensation (SMC).
SMC provides additional financial support to veterans who have severe disabilities or need aid and attendance.
Conclusion
A hysterectomy VA rating can range from 20% to 50% after the recovery period, with a temporary 100% rating immediately following surgery. Veterans may also qualify for additional benefits if secondary conditions, scars, or serious complications develop.
If you’re struggling to connect your hysterectomy to your service—or to get the full benefits you deserve—know that it’s possible. Reaching out, gathering the right evidence, and understanding your options is a sign of strength, not weakness. These benefits exist to support you and your family for your sacrifice and service.
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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What is the VA disability rating for a hysterectomy?
The VA assigns 100% for the first three months after surgery. After that, ratings are 50% if the uterus and ovaries are removed, 30% if only the uterus is removed, and 20% if the uterus remains but the ovaries are nonfunctional.
How do I prove service connection for a hysterectomy?
You must show medical evidence linking your hysterectomy to your military service. This could include service treatment records, proof of in-service injury, or documentation of presumptive conditions like reproductive cancers linked to burn pit exposure.
Can I get VA disability for secondary conditions caused by a hysterectomy?
Yes. Conditions such as depression, infertility, or PTSD may qualify as secondary disabilities if they stem from the hysterectomy. Submitting a strong medical nexus is critical.
Does the VA rate hysterectomy scars?
Yes. If your surgical scar is large, painful, or limits movement, the VA may assign a separate disability rating under its scar rating criteria.
Can I receive Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) after a hysterectomy?
Potentially. If the hysterectomy severely impacts your ability to work, causes loss of function, or requires ongoing care, you may qualify for SMC in addition to your standard VA rating.
Author
Asaad Fakhir
A former US Army translator in Iraq (2006-2009) and an ex-commissioned Iraqi officer, Asaad graduated from the Royal Australian Military College (2010-2014). Asaad holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Arts and currently serves as a content writer at VACI, leveraging military experience with linguistic skills to create impactful content.
