Qualifying for a Hysterectomy VA Rating

Is it possible for veterans to qualify for a hysterectomy VA rating?

Yes!

For veterans who have undergone a hysterectomy due to service-related conditions, understanding how the VA rates hysterectomies is crucial in seeking VA disability compensation and benefits.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to qualify for a hysterectomy VA rating. We’ll also explore how hysterectomies can cause secondary conditions, VA special monthly compensation, and more. 

Let’s begin.

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

VA disability for hysterectomy is rated at 20%, 30%, or 50%—with a 100% VA rating for the first three months after the procedure.

Additionally, if your hysterectomy affects your ability to work, causes you additional VA-rateable conditions, or leaves you with a sizeable scar, you may qualify for additional compensation.

While it can sometimes be challenging to service-connect your hysterectomy to your military service—it’s not impossible, and getting the VA rating you qualify for can provide you and your family with all of the tax-free monthly compensation and VA benefits you deserve.

NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?

Most veterans are underrated for their disabilities and, therefore, not getting their due compensation. At VA Claims Insider, we help you 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)—so you can increase your rating FAST!

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 FREE VA Claim Discovery Call. Learn what you’ve been missing—so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE!

 

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.