Breast Surgery / Mastectomy
Breast surgery and removal is rated under DC 7626. This schedule applies to both male and female veterans. Ratings depend on the type and extent of surgery: wide local excision (including partial mastectomy, lumpectomy, tylectomy, segmentectomy, quadrantectomy), simple or total mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, and radical mastectomy. Ratings differ for one breast versus both breasts. Female veterans may be entitled to SMC-K. Separate ratings for surgical scars are also allowed. Breast reductions done purely for cosmetic reasons cannot be service-connected, but reductions performed to alleviate conditions like back or neck pain during service can be.
VA Rating Levels
Wide local excision of one breast without significant alteration of size or form.
Simple mastectomy or wide local excision of one breast with significant alteration of size or form.
Modified radical mastectomy of one breast.
Simple mastectomy or wide local excision of both breasts with significant alteration, or radical mastectomy of one breast.
Modified radical mastectomy of both breasts.
Radical mastectomy of both breasts.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →You can receive a rating under this schedule and a separate rating for any surgical scars. Make sure scars are documented.
- →This schedule applies to male veterans as well, including for gynecomastia if surgery was medically necessary.
- →Female veterans may qualify for SMC-K. Confirm it is included in your award.
- →If breast reduction was done during service to relieve back or neck pain, it can be service-connected even though cosmetic reductions cannot.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.116, DC 7626