Bladder, calculus in, with symptoms interfering with function (DC 7515)

Body system: Genitourinary SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.115bDBQ: DBQ GU Urinary Tract Conditions

A bladder calculus is a stone that forms inside the bladder, typically in veterans with chronic urinary retention, indwelling catheters, neurogenic bladder, or recurrent UTIs. The stone produces symptoms when it interferes with normal bladder function — urinary frequency, urgency, hesitancy, retention, incontinence, or hematuria. The VA does not maintain a separate ladder for bladder calculus. Instead, 38 CFR § 4.115a directs raters to evaluate this condition under the voiding dysfunction umbrella, which contains three parallel sub-formulas: urine leakage (20/40/60%), urinary frequency (10/20/40%), and obstructed voiding (0/10/30%). The rater applies the sub-formula matching the predominant symptom; the tile list below shows all three sub-formulas combined.

Rating levels

60% — You qualify for 60% under the urine leakage sub-formula if your bladder stone causes leakage severe enough that you either use a urinary collection appliance OR you wear absorbent pads or briefs that you must change more than 4 times in a 24-hour period.
40% — You qualify for 40% under the urine leakage sub-formula if you wear absorbent materials for stone-related leakage and change them 2 to 4 times per day. No appliance required at this tier.
40% — You qualify for 40% under the frequency sub-formula if the bladder stone causes you to urinate more than once per hour during the day, OR you wake up 5 or more times per night to urinate. Either threshold alone qualifies.
30% — You qualify for 30% under the obstructed voiding sub-formula if your bladder stone causes urinary retention severe enough to require intermittent self-catheterization (passing a catheter several times per day) OR continuous indwelling catheter (Foley or suprapubic).
20% — You qualify for 20% under the urine leakage sub-formula if you wear absorbent materials for stone-related leakage and change them fewer than 2 times per day.
20% — You qualify for 20% under the frequency sub-formula if your daytime voiding interval is 1 to 2 hours, OR you wake up 3 to 4 times per night to urinate.
10% — You qualify for 10% under the frequency sub-formula if your daytime voiding interval is 2 to 3 hours, OR you wake up exactly 2 times per night.
10% — You qualify for 10% under the obstructed voiding sub-formula if you have significant obstructive symptoms PLUS at least one objective finding: post-void residual > 150 cc, peak urinary flow < 10 cc/sec on uroflowmetry, repeated UTIs from obstruction, OR strictures requiring dilation every 2-3 months.
0% — You qualify for 0% under the obstructed voiding sub-formula if obstructive symptoms are mild enough that strictures only require dilation 1-2 times per year, or no dilation needed. Recognized as service-connected but not currently producing compensable disability.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.