EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Prostate Cancer
DC 7528 | 38 CFR § 4.115b, DC 7528 |
Prostate Cancer is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under DC 7528 of 38 CFR § 4.115b, DC 7528 across 3 severity tiers (60% -- Absorbent materials changed >4x/day or appliance required / 40% -- Absorbent materials changed 2-4x/day / 20% -- Absorbent materials changed <2x/day). Service connection requires (1) a current diagnosis, (2) an in-service event, injury, or exposure, and (3) a medical nexus opinion linking the two under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303. This condition is frequently rated as secondary to Urinary Incontinence or Erectile Dysfunction under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310.
OVERVIEW
Malignant neoplasm of the prostate gland. One of the most commonly claimed VA cancers. Rated 100% during active disease. Presumptive for Agent Orange exposure. After treatment, rated on residuals.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
60% -- Absorbent materials changed >4x/day or appliance required
Voiding dysfunction requiring appliance or absorbent materials changed more than 4 times per day.
40% -- Absorbent materials changed 2-4x/day
Requiring absorbent materials changed 2 to 4 times per day.
20% -- Absorbent materials changed <2x/day
Requiring absorbent materials changed less than 2 times per day.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Service treatment records
-Current medical diagnosis and treatment records
-Buddy/lay statements
-Prescription history
-Employment impact documentation
-Any relevant diagnostic testing
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (6 MAPPED)
DC
Treatment-related bladder control issues
DC
Surgery or radiation damages nerves
DC
Prostate cancer commonly spreads to bone
DC
Cancer diagnosis and treatment effects
DC
Androgen deprivation therapy effects
DC
Hormone therapy weakens bones
C&P EXAM TIPS (5)
1.Bring all relevant medical records and a written list of symptoms.
2.Report your worst days, not your best. The VA rates based on overall impairment.
3.Document how the condition affects daily activities, work, and relationships.
4.Mention all medications and their side effects.
5.Bring buddy statements from people who observe your symptoms.
SECONDARY CONDITIONS
MORE IN GENITOURINARY
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026