Breast Reconstruction Residuals

DC 7626Gynecological/Breast38 CFR 4.116, DC 7626

Residual effects from breast reconstruction surgery following mastectomy or significant breast surgery. Complications can include chronic pain, capsular contracture around implants, scarring, nerve damage causing numbness, lymphedema, and asymmetry requiring additional procedures. The VA rates breast reconstruction residuals based on the severity of complications.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7626

Rating range

0% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.116, DC 7626. 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 severe complications including painful capsular contracture, implant rupture or failure, significant chronic pain, or severe lymphedema limiting arm function.

What the VA looks for

Severe capsular contracture (Baker Grade IV) with pain
Implant rupture or failure documented
Severe lymphedema requiring compression therapy
Chronic pain significantly limiting daily activities
Multiple revision surgeries

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting capsular contracture grade using the Baker classification system — the specific grade (I-IV) directly impacts the rating and provides objective evidence of severity.
⚠Failing to file for lymphedema of the arm as a separate condition — post-surgical lymphedema from axillary lymph node dissection can be rated independently under the vascular system.
⚠Not connecting breast reconstruction to the service-connected mastectomy or cancer treatment — the reconstruction residuals are secondary to the original service-connected condition.
⚠Overlooking nerve damage and loss of sensation in the reconstructed breast and chest wall — intercostal nerve damage is common and can be rated as a peripheral nerve condition.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Gynecological Conditions and Disorders of the Breast

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Breast Reconstruction Residuals

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. The examiner will evaluate your specific symptoms and how they affect your daily life and ability to work.

Diagnostic code

DC 7626

Rating range

0% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have severe complications including painful capsular contracture, implant rupture or failure, significant chronic pain, or severe lymphedema limiting arm function.

What the VA looks for

Severe capsular contracture (Baker Grade IV) with pain
Implant rupture or failure documented
Severe lymphedema requiring compression therapy
Chronic pain significantly limiting daily activities
Multiple revision surgeries

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting capsular contracture grade using the Baker classification system — the specific grade (I-IV) directly impacts the rating and provides objective evidence of severity.

⚠Failing to file for lymphedema of the arm as a separate condition — post-surgical lymphedema from axillary lymph node dissection can be rated independently under the vascular system.

⚠Not connecting breast reconstruction to the service-connected mastectomy or cancer treatment — the reconstruction residuals are secondary to the original service-connected condition.

⚠Overlooking nerve damage and loss of sensation in the reconstructed breast and chest wall — intercostal nerve damage is common and can be rated as a peripheral nerve condition.