Ovarian cysts (PCOS)

Getting a PCOS VA Rating

If you were treated for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) while you were in the military and still have symptoms today, you’ll want to know more about the PCOS VA disability rating. Veterans with PCOS can qualify for VA disability benefits as a result of the condition. It’s also associated with the development of secondary conditions that may qualify for benefits.

Getting through military service with painful, irregular periods was challenging. That’s why you went to see a military doctor during service and learned you had PCOS. Medication helped for a while, but now your symptoms are back and as bad as ever. If you have PCOS that you began treatment for during your military service, you may qualify for PCOS disability benefits.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition where your body produces too much androgen, which are masculine hormones. It can cause cysts on the outer edges of your ovaries.

About one in ten women develop the condition during their reproductive years.

Symptoms of PCOS include:

Irregular periods
Facial hair
Acne
Oily skin
Drastic weight fluctuations
Thinning hair

If left untreated, PCOS can cause other health issues, including infertility.

PCOS VA disability rating

The VA rating for PCOS is diagnostic code 7615 for General Disease, Injury, or Adhesions of Female Reproductive Organs in the Schedule of Ratings. Veterans may receive a rating of 0%, 10%, or 30%, depending on symptoms and how they respond to treatment.

Description

VA Rating

Monthly Payment
(Veteran Only)
Symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment
30%
$537.42
Symptoms that require continuous treatment
10%
$175.51
Symptoms that do not require continuous treatment
0%
None

If the veteran needs a hysterectomy as a result of PCOS, they will receive a 100% rating for three months after the surgery and a 30% or 50% rating after that, depending on the extent of loss of reproductive organs.

PCOS and secondary conditions

Women with PCOS are prone to developing a myriad of related health conditions. Those conditions, which may qualify as secondary service connections for VA disability benefits, include:

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are common with PCOS and are rated according to the table above.

Type 2 Diabetes

More than half of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes because of insulin resistance the syndrome causes. Veterans with diabetes caused by service-connected PCOS may also qualify for a diabetes VA rating.

High Blood Pressure

Women with PCOS are 40% more likely to have high blood pressure, which is also caused by insulin resistance related to the syndrome.

Heart Disease or Stroke

High blood pressure, diabetes, and insulin issues can all contribute to heart disease or stroke. While PCOS doesn’t cause heart disease, women with the syndrome are at a heightened risk for heart problems and stroke.

Uterine Cancer

Women with PCOS are five times more likely to develop uterine cancer because of hormone fluctuations and loss of uterine function.

Sleep Apnea.

Women with PCOS also are prone to developing sleep apnea, likely because of metabolic or hormonal fluctuations. If you develop sleep issues in conjunction with service-connected PCOS, you may qualify for a sleep apnea VA rating.

TDIU for PCOS

A veteran can be awarded total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) benefits if they can’t maintain substantially gainful employment due to their service-connected conditions.

While PCOS alone is unlikely to cause an inability to work, the syndrome coupled with secondary conditions may.

TDIU pays at the same level as a 100% disability rating, even when the veteran’s combined rating is below 100%.

Veterans will typically be eligible for TDIU if they have:

1

At least one service-connected disability rated at 60% or more disabling OR

2

Two or more service-connected disabilities with at least one rated at 40% or more disabling and a combined rating of 70% or more

How VA can help

Our VA-accredited attorneys have helped thousands of veterans nationwide who can no longer work because of their service-connected conditions. Call us today for your free, confidential TDIU case evaluation. You won’t pay us unless we win your claim.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes. Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is a type of arteriosclerotic heart disease. Ischemic heart disease is a presumptive of Agent Orange exposure for qualifying veterans.

Yes, you can receive a VA disability rating for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) if you began being treated for the condition during your military service and you continue having symptoms now.

The VA rating for PCOS is diagnostic code 7615 for General Disease, Injury, or Adhesions of Female Reproductive Organs in the Schedule of Ratings. Veterans may receive a rating of 0%, 10%, or 30%, depending on symptoms and how they respond to treatment.