Voiding Dysfunction (Urinary Incontinence)
Voiding dysfunction is the third measure under the VA's Urinary Rating System, typically covering conditions that cause loss of bladder control and urinary incontinence. Ratings are based on the level of absorbent material or appliance use required. When a catheter is used primarily to retain urine (not for incontinence), the veteran should be rated under obstructed voiding instead, unless the voiding dysfunction schedule better captures the predominant disability.
VA Rating Levels
Requires wearing absorbent materials (pads or diapers) that must be changed once per day.
Requires wearing absorbent materials that must be changed 2-4 times per day.
Requires use of an appliance (such as a catheter), or wearing absorbent materials that must be changed more than 4 times per day.
Exam Tips & Key Evidence
- →Document how many times per day you change your absorbent materials. This is the single most important criterion for your rating level.
- →Voiding dysfunction is commonly secondary to prostate surgery, spinal conditions, diabetes (neuropathy affecting bladder), multiple sclerosis, or TBI.
- →Keep receipts or records of purchasing incontinence supplies. This supports your reported frequency of pad changes.
- →If you are rated under this schedule at 60%, you have reached the maximum for the urinary rating system. Consider whether separate conditions (like kidney disease) might qualify for additional ratings.
- →The VA rates under whichever urinary measure is highest. Voiding dysfunction (up to 60%) often produces higher ratings than frequency (up to 40%) or obstructed voiding (up to 30%).
Commonly Related Conditions
38 CFR Reference
38 CFR 4.115a, Urinary Rating System