Urinary Fistula

DC 7518Genitourinary38 CFR 4.115a/4.115b, DC 7518

An abnormal connection between the urinary tract and another organ or the skin surface, causing urine to leak through an unintended pathway. The VA rates urinary fistula based on whether it requires an appliance, the degree of voiding dysfunction, and whether it affects kidney function.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on objective clinical measurements and test results. The examiner will use standardized tests or lab values to determine the severity of your condition rather than relying primarily on subjective symptom reports.

Diagnostic code

DC 7518

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.115a/4.115b, 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 urinary fistula causes multiple fistulous tracts with persistent urinary diversion, renal dysfunction requiring dialysis, or precludes more than sedentary activity.

What the VA looks for

Multiple fistulous tracts documented
Persistent urinary diversion
Renal dysfunction requiring dialysis
Markedly decreased kidney function
Precludes more than sedentary activity

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the volume and frequency of urinary leakage through the fistula — the rating depends on how often absorbent materials are changed or whether an appliance is needed.
⚠Not connecting the fistula to service-related surgery, catheterization, or pelvic trauma — the VA needs to see a clear link to an in-service cause or a service-connected condition.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions such as recurrent urinary tract infections, skin breakdown from constant urine exposure, and depression caused by the impact on daily life.
⚠Not requesting imaging studies (fistulogram, CT, MRI) to objectively document the fistula tract — these objective findings strengthen the claim beyond clinical notes alone.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Kidney and Urinary Tract Conditions

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Urinary Fistula

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 7518

Rating range

30% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your urinary fistula causes multiple fistulous tracts with persistent urinary diversion, renal dysfunction requiring dialysis, or precludes more than sedentary activity.

What the VA looks for

Multiple fistulous tracts documented
Persistent urinary diversion
Renal dysfunction requiring dialysis
Markedly decreased kidney function
Precludes more than sedentary activity

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the volume and frequency of urinary leakage through the fistula — the rating depends on how often absorbent materials are changed or whether an appliance is needed.

⚠Not connecting the fistula to service-related surgery, catheterization, or pelvic trauma — the VA needs to see a clear link to an in-service cause or a service-connected condition.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions such as recurrent urinary tract infections, skin breakdown from constant urine exposure, and depression caused by the impact on daily life.

⚠Not requesting imaging studies (fistulogram, CT, MRI) to objectively document the fistula tract — these objective findings strengthen the claim beyond clinical notes alone.