Body system: Gynecological ConditionsRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.116DBQ: DBQ GYN Gynecological
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and other symptoms. The VA rates endometriosis from 10% to 50% based on how severe your symptoms are and whether they affect your bowel or bladder. A 10% rating means you need ongoing treatment, 30% means treatment isn't controlling your pain or bleeding, and 50% means the condition has spread to affect your bowel or bladder function.
Rating levels
- 50% — You qualify at this level if a laparoscopy has confirmed endometriosis lesions involving your bowel or bladder, you have pelvic pain or heavy or irregular bleeding that treatment does not control, and you have bowel or bladder symptoms from the condition.
- 30% — You qualify for this rating if you have ongoing pain in your pelvic area (lower abdomen and reproductive organs) or if your menstrual periods are unusually heavy, come at irregular times, or both, and medical treatments haven't been able to control these problems. The key is that doctors have tried to treat your symptoms with medications or other therapies, but you're still experiencing significant pelvic pain or menstrual issues despite treatment.
- 10% — You qualify for this rating if you have ongoing pain in your pelvic area (lower abdomen and reproductive organs) or if your menstrual periods are unusually heavy or come at irregular times. You must be receiving continuous medical treatment to manage these symptoms, such as taking medications or having regular medical procedures to keep the condition under control.
- Note — The diagnosis of endometriosis must be confirmed by laparoscopy (a surgical look inside the abdomen), not by symptoms or imaging alone.