Overactive Bladder

DC 7517Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115a, DC 7517

A condition that causes a sudden, frequent urge to urinate that is hard to control. The VA rates overactive bladder based on how often you need to urinate during the day and how many times you wake up at night.

Rating Levels

Your overactive bladder causes urinary leakage requiring the use of absorbent materials that must be changed more than 4 times per day.

What the VA looks for

Use of absorbent materials documented
Materials changed more than 4 times per day
Severe urinary leakage
Significant impact on employment and daily activities
Medical documentation of frequency and severity

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not keeping a voiding diary that records the exact times you urinate during the day and night — the rating is directly based on voiding frequency.
⚠Not reporting nighttime awakenings accurately — many veterans undercount how often they wake up. Track every awakening for at least a week.
⚠Not requesting that your doctor document the frequency in your medical records — self-reported frequency should be backed by clinical notes.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions such as sleep disturbance, depression from social isolation, or skin irritation from incontinence.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Kidney Conditions (Nephrology)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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