Lichen Sclerosus, Vulvar

DC 7611Gynecological/Breast38 CFR 4.116, DC 7611

A chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the vulvar area that causes thin, white, patchy skin with intense itching, pain, and scarring. Over time it can cause tissue changes that affect urination and sexual function. The VA rates vulvar lichen sclerosus based on symptom severity and response to treatment.

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 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

Your vulvar lichen sclerosus causes symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment, with significant scarring, tissue fusion, or functional impairment.

What the VA looks for

Symptoms persisting despite continuous topical therapy
Significant vulvar scarring or architectural changes
Labial fusion or introital narrowing
Dyspareunia or urinary symptoms from scarring
Surveillance biopsies for squamous cell carcinoma risk

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not obtaining a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis — lichen sclerosus can look similar to other vulvar conditions, and a biopsy provides definitive evidence for your claim.
⚠Failing to document how lichen sclerosus affects your daily life including sexual function, urinary symptoms, and the constant need for topical treatment and monitoring.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions such as depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain that result from living with a painful vulvar condition.
⚠Not documenting the increased risk of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma that requires lifelong surveillance — this ongoing monitoring need supports the chronic nature of the disability.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Gynecological Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Lichen Sclerosus, Vulvar

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 7611

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your vulvar lichen sclerosus causes symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment, with significant scarring, tissue fusion, or functional impairment.

What the VA looks for

Symptoms persisting despite continuous topical therapy
Significant vulvar scarring or architectural changes
Labial fusion or introital narrowing
Dyspareunia or urinary symptoms from scarring
Surveillance biopsies for squamous cell carcinoma risk

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not obtaining a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis — lichen sclerosus can look similar to other vulvar conditions, and a biopsy provides definitive evidence for your claim.

⚠Failing to document how lichen sclerosus affects your daily life including sexual function, urinary symptoms, and the constant need for topical treatment and monitoring.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions such as depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain that result from living with a painful vulvar condition.

⚠Not documenting the increased risk of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma that requires lifelong surveillance — this ongoing monitoring need supports the chronic nature of the disability.