Bartholin Gland Abscess, Recurrent

DC 7611Gynecological/Breast38 CFR 4.116, DC 7611

Recurring painful abscesses in the Bartholin glands, which are located on each side of the vaginal opening. These cysts and abscesses can cause severe pain, difficulty walking or sitting, and may require repeated surgical drainage. The VA rates this condition based on how often episodes occur and what treatment you need.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how often symptoms occur and how severe each episode is. The examiner will ask about the frequency, duration, and intensity of your episodes, as well as how they affect your ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7611

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.116, DC 7611. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have frequent severe Bartholin gland abscesses that require repeated surgical procedures or gland excision, with chronic pain and significant functional limitation.

What the VA looks for

Multiple surgical procedures including marsupialization or excision
Bartholin gland excision performed
Chronic vulvar pain despite treatment
Significant scarring from repeated procedures
Inability to sit or walk comfortably for extended periods

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting each episode with emergency room or clinic records — a clear pattern of recurrence over time is essential for proving the chronic nature of the condition.
⚠Failing to describe how abscess episodes affect daily activities — document inability to sit, walk, exercise, or work during flare-ups and between episodes.
⚠Not filing for surgical scars separately — scars from incision and drainage or gland excision may qualify for a separate scar rating.
⚠Assuming the condition is not service-connected because it started after service — if you had even one episode during service, recurrences are related to the original condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Gynecological Conditions and Disorders of the Breast

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Bartholin Gland Abscess, Recurrent

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7611

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have frequent severe Bartholin gland abscesses that require repeated surgical procedures or gland excision, with chronic pain and significant functional limitation.

What the VA looks for

Multiple surgical procedures including marsupialization or excision
Bartholin gland excision performed
Chronic vulvar pain despite treatment
Significant scarring from repeated procedures
Inability to sit or walk comfortably for extended periods

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting each episode with emergency room or clinic records — a clear pattern of recurrence over time is essential for proving the chronic nature of the condition.

⚠Failing to describe how abscess episodes affect daily activities — document inability to sit, walk, exercise, or work during flare-ups and between episodes.

⚠Not filing for surgical scars separately — scars from incision and drainage or gland excision may qualify for a separate scar rating.

⚠Assuming the condition is not service-connected because it started after service — if you had even one episode during service, recurrences are related to the original condition.