Pelvic Adhesions

DC 7699-7629Gynecological/Breast38 CFR 4.116, DC 7699-7629

Bands of scar tissue that form between organs in the pelvis, often after surgery, infection, or endometriosis. They can cause chronic pain, bowel or bladder problems, and trouble getting pregnant. The VA rates pelvic adhesions based on how much pain and functional limitation they cause.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 7699-7629

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.116, DC 7699-7629. 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 pelvic adhesions cause severe symptoms not controlled by treatment, including significant bowel or bladder dysfunction, severe pain, or the need for repeated surgical intervention.

What the VA looks for

Severe pelvic pain despite multiple treatments
Bowel obstruction or significant constipation from adhesions
Bladder dysfunction requiring treatment
Surgical lysis of adhesions performed or recommended
Significant limitation of daily activities and employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the cause of adhesions with surgical or treatment records from service — adhesions from in-service surgery, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis link the condition to military service.
⚠Failing to describe how adhesion-related pain affects specific daily activities such as standing, lifting, bending, and exercise — functional impact drives the rating.
⚠Not filing separate claims for bowel or bladder conditions caused by adhesions — small bowel obstruction or voiding dysfunction can be rated independently.
⚠Overlooking infertility as a residual — if adhesions caused or contributed to infertility, this should be documented and claimed.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Gynecological Conditions and Disorders of the Breast

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Pelvic Adhesions

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7699-7629

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your pelvic adhesions cause severe symptoms not controlled by treatment, including significant bowel or bladder dysfunction, severe pain, or the need for repeated surgical intervention.

What the VA looks for

Severe pelvic pain despite multiple treatments
Bowel obstruction or significant constipation from adhesions
Bladder dysfunction requiring treatment
Surgical lysis of adhesions performed or recommended
Significant limitation of daily activities and employment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the cause of adhesions with surgical or treatment records from service — adhesions from in-service surgery, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis link the condition to military service.

⚠Failing to describe how adhesion-related pain affects specific daily activities such as standing, lifting, bending, and exercise — functional impact drives the rating.

⚠Not filing separate claims for bowel or bladder conditions caused by adhesions — small bowel obstruction or voiding dysfunction can be rated independently.

⚠Overlooking infertility as a residual — if adhesions caused or contributed to infertility, this should be documented and claimed.