Chronic Prostatitis / CPPS Type III

DC 7527Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7527

Ongoing pelvic pain and urinary symptoms caused by chronic inflammation of the prostate gland, even when no infection is found. The VA rates this condition based on how often you have voiding problems, pain, and urinary frequency using the voiding dysfunction criteria.

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 7527

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115b, DC 7527. 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 daytime voiding less than every hour or you wake up to urinate five or more times per night. You need to wear absorbent pads that must be changed two to four times per day. Your pelvic pain significantly limits your daily activities.

What the VA looks for

Daytime voiding interval less than 1 hour
Awakening to void 5 or more times per night
Absorbent materials changed 2-4 times per day
Significant pelvic pain limiting daily activities
Failed multiple treatment modalities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not completing the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) questionnaire — this standardized tool quantifies your symptom severity and is strong evidence for your rating.
⚠Not keeping a voiding diary for at least 3 days before your C&P exam — the VA needs objective data on how often you urinate during the day and night.
⚠Not documenting pelvic pain separately — if prostatitis causes chronic pelvic pain that limits sitting, walking, or working, describe these functional limitations in detail.
⚠Not connecting chronic prostatitis to service — common pathways include in-service urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections treated during service, or prolonged sitting/vibration exposure (vehicle crews, aviators).
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chronic prostatitis commonly causes or aggravates erectile dysfunction, depression, and sleep disturbance, each of which may warrant separate ratings.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Male Reproductive System Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Chronic Prostatitis / CPPS Type III

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7527

Rating range

0% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Daytime voiding interval less than 1 hour
Awakening to void 5 or more times per night
Absorbent materials changed 2-4 times per day
Significant pelvic pain limiting daily activities
Failed multiple treatment modalities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not completing the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) questionnaire — this standardized tool quantifies your symptom severity and is strong evidence for your rating.

⚠Not keeping a voiding diary for at least 3 days before your C&P exam — the VA needs objective data on how often you urinate during the day and night.

⚠Not documenting pelvic pain separately — if prostatitis causes chronic pelvic pain that limits sitting, walking, or working, describe these functional limitations in detail.

⚠Not connecting chronic prostatitis to service — common pathways include in-service urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections treated during service, or prolonged sitting/vibration exposure (vehicle crews, aviators).

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chronic prostatitis commonly causes or aggravates erectile dysfunction, depression, and sleep disturbance, each of which may warrant separate ratings.