Vulvodynia

DC 7611Gynecological/Breast38 CFR 4.116, DC 7611

Chronic pain or discomfort of the vulva (the area around the opening of the vagina) with no identifiable cause. The VA rates vulvodynia based on your symptoms and how well treatment controls the pain.

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 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 vulvodynia causes pain that is not controlled by continuous treatment and significantly affects your daily life.

What the VA looks for

Persistent vulvar pain despite multiple treatments
Pain limiting ability to sit, walk, or exercise
Inability to tolerate certain clothing or activities
Multiple treatment modalities attempted without adequate relief
Documented impact on work and daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the chronic nature of vulvodynia. This condition is often dismissed or minimized. Keep a pain diary and insist on thorough documentation by your provider.
⚠Failing to describe functional limitations in detail. Explain how pain affects sitting, walking, exercising, wearing certain clothing, and intimacy.
⚠Not pursuing a formal diagnosis with a specialist. A gynecologist or vulvar pain specialist can provide the most credible diagnosis and documentation.
⚠Overlooking secondary conditions like depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction that commonly accompany chronic vulvar pain.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Gynecological Conditions and Disorders of the Breast

View evidence checklist →C&P exam prep guide →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 7611

Rating range

0% – 30%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

Your vulvodynia causes pain that is not controlled by continuous treatment and significantly affects your daily life.

What the VA looks for

Persistent vulvar pain despite multiple treatments
Pain limiting ability to sit, walk, or exercise
Inability to tolerate certain clothing or activities
Multiple treatment modalities attempted without adequate relief
Documented impact on work and daily activities

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the chronic nature of vulvodynia. This condition is often dismissed or minimized. Keep a pain diary and insist on thorough documentation by your provider.

⚠Failing to describe functional limitations in detail. Explain how pain affects sitting, walking, exercising, wearing certain clothing, and intimacy.

⚠Not pursuing a formal diagnosis with a specialist. A gynecologist or vulvar pain specialist can provide the most credible diagnosis and documentation.

⚠Overlooking secondary conditions like depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction that commonly accompany chronic vulvar pain.