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Breast Cancer VA Disability Rating
DC 7630 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.116 | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.F
OVERVIEW
Malignant neoplasms of the breast are rated under DC 7630 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.116. 100% during active disease and treatment. Six months after discontinuance, mandatory VA examination required. Rate chronic residuals on impairment from scars, lymphedema, disfigurement, limitation of arm/shoulder motion, loss of grip strength, or sensory loss. Breast cancer may be a PACT Act presumptive for veterans with certain toxic exposures.
RATING CRITERIA (4 LEVELS)
100% — Active disease or during any treatment
100% during active cancer or any treatment phase (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, hormone therapy). Continues beyond cessation. Six months after discontinuance, mandatory VA examination required.
Residuals — Major functional limitation
Significant lymphedema requiring compression garments; AND/OR significant loss of shoulder/arm range of motion; AND/OR major scar disfigurement.
Residuals — Moderate functional limitation
Moderate lymphedema; AND/OR moderate limitation of arm/shoulder motion; AND/OR moderate scar disfigurement.
Residuals — Mild functional limitation
Mild lymphedema; OR mild motion limitation; OR mild scarring.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Pathology report confirming breast cancer with stage, grade, receptor status
-Surgery records (lumpectomy, mastectomy, lymph node dissection)
-Chemotherapy and radiation treatment records
-Records of lymphedema treatment and severity
-Range of motion measurements of the ipsilateral arm and shoulder
-Documentation of sensory changes and grip strength deficits
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (4 MAPPED)
DC 7122
Axillary lymph node dissection or radiation causes chronic lymphedema — rate separately.
DC 5201
Surgery and radiation restrict shoulder and arm movement — rate under musculoskeletal codes.
DC 9434
Breast cancer causes significant depression — independently ratable.
DC 8520
Taxane-based chemotherapy causes peripheral neuropathy.
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.File immediately upon diagnosis — protect your effective date.
2.At the 6-month post-treatment exam, document every residual: lymphedema measurement, shoulder ROM, sensory changes, scar measurements.
3.Lymphedema after axillary dissection is separately ratable under DC 7122.
4.Shoulder limitation of motion rates under DC 5201 — get a range of motion measurement at your C&P exam.
5.Hormone therapy (tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors) causes joint pain and osteoporosis — separately ratable residuals.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.116, DC 7630 Note
Rate chronic residuals according to impairment from scars, lymphedema, or disfigurement, including limitation of arm, shoulder, and wrist motion, loss of grip strength, loss of sensation, or residuals from muscle harvesting for reconstructive purposes.
DOLLAR IMPACT
100% during treatment: $3,938.58/mo. Post-treatment residuals: lymphedema + shoulder limitation + neuropathy combined often 40-60% = $673-$1,131/mo.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026