Body system: Gynecological ConditionsRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.116DBQ: DBQ GYN Gynecological
DC 7619 covers surgical removal of one or both ovaries (oophorectomy). The VA assigns a 100% convalescent rating for three months from the date of surgery, then a fixed permanent rating: 30% if both ovaries have been completely removed, 0% if only one was removed (because the remaining ovary continues to produce hormones). A CFR Note converts the 0% to 30% in the specific case where the VA removed one ovary for a service-connected reason AND the other ovary is absent or nonfunctioning for a non-service-connected reason, treating the SC loss as the proximate cause of total ovarian failure. Bilateral ovary loss also qualifies for special monthly compensation SMC-K (loss of use of a creative organ) under 38 USC 1114(k), payable on top of the 30% schedular rating. If the uterus was also removed, DC 7617 (uterus + both ovaries, 50% permanent + SMC-K) applies instead.
Rating levels
- 100% — You qualify for 100% for three months after removal of an ovary (unilateral or bilateral). This convalescent rating is automatic and runs from the date of surgery.
- 30% — You qualify for 30% beginning the day after the three-month convalescent period ends IF both ovaries have been completely removed (bilateral oophorectomy). This is a fixed, permanent rating. Bilateral removal also qualifies for special monthly compensation SMC-K (loss of use of a creative organ) under 38 USC 1114(k), payable in addition to the 30% schedular rating.
- 0% — You qualify for 0% (noncompensable) beginning the day after the three-month convalescent period ends if only one ovary has been removed, even if the remaining ovary has been partially removed. The remaining functional ovary preserves hormonal function. See the CFR Note below for the exception when the second ovary is absent or nonfunctional for non-service-connected reasons.
- -1% — If the VA removed one ovary because of a service-connected injury or disease AND your other ovary is absent or nonfunctioning for reasons unrelated to your service (congenital absence, prior non-SC surgical removal, or premature ovarian failure from a non-SC cause), the rating jumps from 0% to 30% for the service-connected loss. This Note exists because the practical effect on the veteran — total loss of ovarian function — is the same whether both ovaries were lost in service or only one was. The 30% rating treats the SC half of a now-complete ovarian loss as if it caused that complete loss. SMC-K also applies in this scenario because the veteran has functionally lost the use of a creative organ.