Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH)

DC 7526Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115a-4.115b, DC 7526

Benign enlargement of the prostate gland that compresses the urethra and causes difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, frequent urination, urgency, nocturia (nighttime urination), and incomplete bladder emptying. The VA rates BPH based on voiding dysfunction — either obstructed voiding or urinary frequency criteria, whichever provides the higher rating.

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 7526

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115a-4.115b, DC 7526. 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 urinary frequency with daytime voiding interval less than 1 hour, or you awaken to void 5 or more times per night. Your BPH significantly impairs sleep and daily activities.

What the VA looks for

Daytime voiding interval less than 1 hour
Nocturia 5 or more times per night
Severe impact on sleep documented
Multiple BPH medications prescribed
Significant daily activity impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not completing a voiding diary before the C&P exam — a 3-day voiding diary documenting the time and volume of each void provides objective evidence of frequency and is more compelling than self-report alone.
⚠Not getting uroflowmetry and post-void residual measurement — these objective tests document the severity of obstruction. A flow rate below 10 mL/s and post-void residual above 150 mL support a higher rating.
⚠Not filing under whichever voiding dysfunction criteria gives the higher rating — BPH can be rated under urinary frequency, obstructed voiding, or urinary leakage. Ensure the examiner evaluates all three and the highest is applied.
⚠Not connecting BPH to Agent Orange exposure — there is growing evidence and some Board of Veterans Appeals decisions recognizing BPH as related to herbicide exposure for Vietnam-era veterans.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Male Reproductive System Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH)

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 7526

Rating range

10% – 40%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have urinary frequency with daytime voiding interval less than 1 hour, or you awaken to void 5 or more times per night. Your BPH significantly impairs sleep and daily activities.

What the VA looks for

Daytime voiding interval less than 1 hour
Nocturia 5 or more times per night
Severe impact on sleep documented
Multiple BPH medications prescribed
Significant daily activity impairment

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not completing a voiding diary before the C&P exam — a 3-day voiding diary documenting the time and volume of each void provides objective evidence of frequency and is more compelling than self-report alone.

⚠Not getting uroflowmetry and post-void residual measurement — these objective tests document the severity of obstruction. A flow rate below 10 mL/s and post-void residual above 150 mL support a higher rating.

⚠Not filing under whichever voiding dysfunction criteria gives the higher rating — BPH can be rated under urinary frequency, obstructed voiding, or urinary leakage. Ensure the examiner evaluates all three and the highest is applied.

⚠Not connecting BPH to Agent Orange exposure — there is growing evidence and some Board of Veterans Appeals decisions recognizing BPH as related to herbicide exposure for Vietnam-era veterans.