Bladder Cancer

DC 7528Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7528

Cancer of the bladder. The VA assigns a 100% rating during active treatment, then rates based on residual effects like voiding dysfunction after treatment ends.

Rating Levels

You are undergoing active treatment for bladder cancer — surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other therapeutic procedure. The VA assigns a mandatory 100% rating during active malignancy. Re-evaluation occurs 6 months after treatment ends.

What the VA looks for

Active bladder cancer diagnosis (pathology report)
Undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy
Oncology treatment records
Imaging confirming malignancy

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing immediately upon diagnosis to capture the automatic 100% rating during active treatment.
⚠Not requesting a re-evaluation after treatment to document residual dysfunction.
⚠Not documenting all voiding dysfunction (frequency, leakage, need for absorbent materials).
⚠Bladder cancer is common among veterans with Agent Orange exposure or burn pit exposure — document these service connections.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Kidney Conditions (Nephrology)
DBQ Bladder and Urethra Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…