Genitourinary Cancer
Genitourinary cancers are rated under DC 7528. The VA rates 100% while the cancer is active and continues the 100% rating for 6 months after treatment ends and the cancer goes dormant. After that, the veteran is rated on residual symptoms. Multiple cancers within the genitourinary system (such as prostate and bladder) must be combined into a single evaluation. Prostate cancer diagnosis requires a biopsy; PSA elevation alone is not sufficient. However, a biopsy is not required to confirm recurrence after a radical prostatectomy if cancer was previously confirmed.
VA Rating Levels
While cancer is active, OR for 6 months after treatment ends and the cancer goes dormant. After that, rated on residual symptoms. If cancer is determined to be terminal, the 100% is considered permanent.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Bladder and prostate cancers are presumptive for Agent Orange and burn pit exposure. Reproductive cancers are presumptive for burn pit exposure. Kidney and urinary tract cancers are presumptive for burn pit and ionizing radiation exposure. Bladder and kidney cancers are also presumptive for Camp Lejeune water contamination.
- →Common residuals after prostate cancer treatment include erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and bowel problems. After radical prostatectomy, SMC-K is granted in all cases.
- →The VA will schedule re-evaluations every 6 months to check if cancer is still active, unless medical evidence indicates it is terminal.
- →Different treatment types produce different secondary conditions. Radiation can cause bowel problems, ED, and incontinence. Hormone therapy can cause ED. Cryotherapy can cause ED and incontinence. Document all treatment side effects.
- →Low dose radiation (LDR) treatment is designed to last one year. The VA will not schedule a re-evaluation until 6 months after this treatment year ends.
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.115b, Diagnostic Code 7528