Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome

DC 7611Gynecological/Breast38 CFR 4.116, DC 7611

A chronic pain condition affecting the vulvar vestibule (the tissue surrounding the vaginal opening), causing severe burning pain with touch or pressure, particularly during intercourse, tampon insertion, or prolonged sitting. Also known as provoked vestibulodynia. The VA rates vulvar vestibulitis based on symptom severity and response to treatment.

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 7611

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.116, DC 7611. 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 vulvar vestibulitis causes symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment, with severe pain that significantly impacts sitting, walking, intercourse, and daily functioning.

What the VA looks for

Severe pain despite multiple treatment modalities
Inability to tolerate sitting for prolonged periods
Complete inability to have intercourse (apareunia)
Failed multiple treatments (topical, oral, physical therapy)
Vestibulectomy performed or recommended

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not obtaining a diagnosis from a vulvar pain specialist — general gynecologists may not recognize vestibulitis, and a specialist diagnosis with a documented cotton swab (Q-tip) test provides strong evidence.
⚠Failing to document how vulvar vestibulitis affects specific daily activities including sitting at work, exercise, wearing certain clothing, bicycle riding, and sexual function.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and pelvic floor dysfunction that commonly result from chronic vulvar pain.
⚠Not connecting the onset of symptoms to military service factors such as recurrent infections treated during service, hormonal changes, physical trauma, or medication side effects.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Gynecological Conditions and Disorders of the Breast

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

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

Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome

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 7611

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your vulvar vestibulitis causes symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment, with severe pain that significantly impacts sitting, walking, intercourse, and daily functioning.

What the VA looks for

Severe pain despite multiple treatment modalities
Inability to tolerate sitting for prolonged periods
Complete inability to have intercourse (apareunia)
Failed multiple treatments (topical, oral, physical therapy)
Vestibulectomy performed or recommended

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not obtaining a diagnosis from a vulvar pain specialist — general gynecologists may not recognize vestibulitis, and a specialist diagnosis with a documented cotton swab (Q-tip) test provides strong evidence.

⚠Failing to document how vulvar vestibulitis affects specific daily activities including sitting at work, exercise, wearing certain clothing, bicycle riding, and sexual function.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and pelvic floor dysfunction that commonly result from chronic vulvar pain.

⚠Not connecting the onset of symptoms to military service factors such as recurrent infections treated during service, hormonal changes, physical trauma, or medication side effects.