Chronic Urethritis

DC 7518Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115a, DC 7518

Ongoing inflammation of the urethra that causes painful or frequent urination. The VA rates chronic urethritis based on how it affects your urinary function, including infection frequency and voiding problems.

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 7518

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115a, DC 7518. 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 chronic urethritis causes recurrent infections requiring drainage or frequent hospitalization, or use of absorbent materials changed less than 2 times per day.

What the VA looks for

Recurrent urinary tract infections documented
Frequent hospitalizations (more than 2 per year)
Continuous intensive management required
Use of absorbent materials documented
Urethral stricture on imaging or cystoscopy

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not keeping a voiding diary that documents how often you urinate and any pain — the VA rating depends on measurable urinary frequency.
⚠Not connecting chronic urethritis to in-service STIs, catheterizations, or chemical exposures that can cause ongoing urethral inflammation.
⚠Not documenting each urinary tract infection and hospitalization — the number of infections and hospitalizations per year directly affects the rating level.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions such as erectile dysfunction, urethral stricture, or anxiety caused by chronic urinary problems.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Kidney Conditions
DBQ Male Reproductive System

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7518

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your chronic urethritis causes recurrent infections requiring drainage or frequent hospitalization, or use of absorbent materials changed less than 2 times per day.

What the VA looks for

Recurrent urinary tract infections documented
Frequent hospitalizations (more than 2 per year)
Continuous intensive management required
Use of absorbent materials documented
Urethral stricture on imaging or cystoscopy

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not keeping a voiding diary that documents how often you urinate and any pain — the VA rating depends on measurable urinary frequency.

⚠Not connecting chronic urethritis to in-service STIs, catheterizations, or chemical exposures that can cause ongoing urethral inflammation.

⚠Not documenting each urinary tract infection and hospitalization — the number of infections and hospitalizations per year directly affects the rating level.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions such as erectile dysfunction, urethral stricture, or anxiety caused by chronic urinary problems.