Testicular Cancer

DC 7528Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115a/4.115b, DC 7528

Cancer originating in the testicle. The VA assigns a mandatory 100% rating during active treatment including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. After treatment ends, the rating is re-evaluated based on residual symptoms such as hormonal deficiency, voiding dysfunction, or loss of a creative organ.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on the type and intensity of treatment you require. Higher ratings correspond to more aggressive treatment regimens, such as daily medication, insulin dependence, or the need for ongoing medical management.

Diagnostic code

DC 7528

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115a/4.115b, DC 7528. 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 are undergoing active treatment for testicular cancer — surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. The VA assigns a mandatory 100% rating during active malignancy. Re-evaluation occurs 6 months after treatment ends.

What the VA looks for

Active testicular cancer diagnosis (pathology report)
Undergoing surgery (orchiectomy), radiation, or chemotherapy
Oncology treatment records
Tumor marker levels (AFP, HCG, LDH)
Imaging confirming malignancy or metastasis

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing immediately upon diagnosis — the 100% rating during active treatment starts from the date of claim, so file as soon as possible after diagnosis.
⚠Not filing for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of a creative organ — this is a separate monthly payment on top of your disability rating and is often overlooked.
⚠Not documenting all residual symptoms after treatment — hormonal deficiency, fatigue, infertility, neuropathy from chemotherapy, and depression are each separately ratable.
⚠Not requesting a delay of the post-treatment C&P exam if your residual symptoms have not stabilized — you can ask for re-evaluation once the full extent of residuals is known.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Male Reproductive Organ Conditions
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…

Testicular Cancer

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7528

Rating range

0% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Active testicular cancer diagnosis (pathology report)
Undergoing surgery (orchiectomy), radiation, or chemotherapy
Oncology treatment records
Tumor marker levels (AFP, HCG, LDH)
Imaging confirming malignancy or metastasis

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not filing immediately upon diagnosis — the 100% rating during active treatment starts from the date of claim, so file as soon as possible after diagnosis.

⚠Not filing for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of a creative organ — this is a separate monthly payment on top of your disability rating and is often overlooked.

⚠Not documenting all residual symptoms after treatment — hormonal deficiency, fatigue, infertility, neuropathy from chemotherapy, and depression are each separately ratable.

⚠Not requesting a delay of the post-treatment C&P exam if your residual symptoms have not stabilized — you can ask for re-evaluation once the full extent of residuals is known.