Urethra, stricture of (DC 7518)

Body system: Genitourinary SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.115b

Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the outside) caused by scarring. Causes include prior infection (especially gonococcal urethritis), straddle injury or other trauma, prior catheterization or urologic instrumentation, radiation, and iatrogenic surgical injury. Strictures produce obstructive voiding symptoms — hesitancy, slow or weak stream, post-void residual urine, urinary retention, and recurrent UTIs. The VA does not maintain a separate ladder for urethral stricture. Instead, 38 CFR § 4.115a directs raters to evaluate this condition under the voiding dysfunction umbrella with three parallel sub-formulas: urine leakage (20/40/60%), urinary frequency (10/20/40%), and obstructed voiding (0/10/30%). The obstructed voiding sub-formula typically dominates for strictures, but any of the three may apply depending on the predominant residual symptom.

Rating levels

  • 60% — You qualify for 60% under the urine leakage sub-formula if your urethral stricture causes leakage requiring a urinary collection appliance OR absorbent materials changed more than 4 times per day.
  • 40% — You qualify for 40% under the urine leakage sub-formula if you wear absorbent materials and change them 2 to 4 times per day.
  • 40% — You qualify for 40% under the frequency sub-formula if your stricture causes you to urinate more than once per hour during the day, OR wake 5+ times per night.
  • 30% — You qualify for 30% under the obstructed voiding sub-formula if your urethral stricture causes urinary retention severe enough to require intermittent self-catheterization OR continuous indwelling catheter. This sub-formula typically dominates for urethral strictures because obstruction is the core pathology.
  • 20% — You qualify for 20% under the urine leakage sub-formula if absorbent material changes are fewer than 2 per day.
  • 20% — You qualify for 20% under the frequency sub-formula with daytime intervals of 1-2 hours OR 3-4 nocturnal voids.
  • 10% — You qualify for 10% under the frequency sub-formula with daytime intervals of 2-3 hours OR exactly 2 nocturnal voids.
  • 10% — You qualify for 10% under the obstructed voiding sub-formula if you have marked obstructive symptoms PLUS at least one objective finding (PVR > 150 cc, peak flow < 10 cc/sec, recurrent UTIs from obstruction, or urethral stricture requiring dilation every 2-3 months).
  • 0% — You qualify for 0% under the obstructed voiding sub-formula if obstructive symptoms only require dilation 1-2 times per year or no dilation. 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.