Urethral Fistula

DC 7519Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115a-4.115b, DC 7519

An abnormal connection between the urethra and the skin or another organ, causing urinary leakage, recurrent infections, and voiding dysfunction. Urethral fistulae can result from trauma, surgery, or chronic infection. The VA rates this condition based on voiding dysfunction criteria — specifically the degree of urinary leakage and need for absorbent materials or appliances.

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 7519

Rating range

20% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115a-4.115b, DC 7519. 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 urethral fistula causes severe urinary leakage requiring the use of an appliance (catheter or collection device) or absorbent materials changed more than 4 times per day.

What the VA looks for

Severe urinary leakage requiring appliance
Absorbent materials changed more than 4 times per day
Use of catheter or external collection device
Fistula not amenable to surgical repair
Severe impact on daily functioning

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the fistula with imaging — retrograde urethrogram or voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) provides objective evidence of the fistula location and size.
⚠Not keeping a voiding diary documenting leakage episodes and pad changes per day — the number of absorbent material changes directly determines the rating percentage.
⚠Not connecting the fistula to its cause — urethral fistulae often result from surgical complications, pelvic trauma during service, or service-connected infections. The nexus must be documented.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chronic urinary leakage commonly causes skin breakdown, recurrent infections, and depression or anxiety, each of which may warrant separate ratings.

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Condition Rating Guides

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Urethral Fistula

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 7519

Rating range

20% – 60%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your urethral fistula causes severe urinary leakage requiring the use of an appliance (catheter or collection device) or absorbent materials changed more than 4 times per day.

What the VA looks for

Severe urinary leakage requiring appliance
Absorbent materials changed more than 4 times per day
Use of catheter or external collection device
Fistula not amenable to surgical repair
Severe impact on daily functioning

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the fistula with imaging — retrograde urethrogram or voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) provides objective evidence of the fistula location and size.

⚠Not keeping a voiding diary documenting leakage episodes and pad changes per day — the number of absorbent material changes directly determines the rating percentage.

⚠Not connecting the fistula to its cause — urethral fistulae often result from surgical complications, pelvic trauma during service, or service-connected infections. The nexus must be documented.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — chronic urinary leakage commonly causes skin breakdown, recurrent infections, and depression or anxiety, each of which may warrant separate ratings.