Cystocele (Bladder Prolapse)

DC 7622Gynecological/Breast38 CFR 4.116, DC 7622

A condition where the bladder drops from its normal position and pushes against the vaginal wall, causing a bulge. Cystocele is often caused by weakening of the pelvic floor muscles from childbirth, heavy lifting, chronic coughing, or physical strain during military service. The VA rates cystocele based on the severity of voiding dysfunction, need for a pessary or surgery, and how much it limits daily activities.

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 7622

Rating range

0% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.116, DC 7622. 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 a severe cystocele (Grade 4) with complete prolapse of the bladder through the vaginal opening, severe urinary dysfunction, need for surgical intervention, or significant impact on your ability to work and perform daily activities.

What the VA looks for

Grade 4 complete bladder prolapse on examination
Severe voiding dysfunction or chronic urinary retention
Surgical repair performed or recommended
Chronic use of incontinence products
Significant impact on employment and daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting cystocele to military service — the physical demands of service (heavy lifting, running, rucking), pregnancies that occurred during service, or injuries during training are recognized causes of pelvic floor damage.
⚠Failing to get urodynamic testing — this objective measurement of bladder function is essential for documenting the severity of voiding dysfunction beyond what a physical exam shows.
⚠Not filing for urinary incontinence separately under the voiding dysfunction criteria (38 CFR 4.115a) — the frequency of absorbent material changes directly impacts the rating and may yield a higher evaluation.
⚠Overlooking secondary conditions such as recurrent urinary tract infections, depression from incontinence, and sexual dysfunction that can each be rated separately.

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…

Cystocele (Bladder Prolapse)

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 7622

Rating range

0% – 50%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Grade 4 complete bladder prolapse on examination
Severe voiding dysfunction or chronic urinary retention
Surgical repair performed or recommended
Chronic use of incontinence products
Significant impact on employment and daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not connecting cystocele to military service — the physical demands of service (heavy lifting, running, rucking), pregnancies that occurred during service, or injuries during training are recognized causes of pelvic floor damage.

⚠Failing to get urodynamic testing — this objective measurement of bladder function is essential for documenting the severity of voiding dysfunction beyond what a physical exam shows.

⚠Not filing for urinary incontinence separately under the voiding dysfunction criteria (38 CFR 4.115a) — the frequency of absorbent material changes directly impacts the rating and may yield a higher evaluation.

⚠Overlooking secondary conditions such as recurrent urinary tract infections, depression from incontinence, and sexual dysfunction that can each be rated separately.