Hysterectomy & Surgical Compensation
100% for three months after surgery, then 30% or 50% — plus Special Monthly Compensation for loss of a creative organ.
If a service-connected gynecological condition required surgery — a hysterectomy, oophorectomy (ovary removal), or other procedure — the VA provides specific compensation codes that are more favorable than the underlying condition codes. These surgical codes carry a mandatory 100% rating for three months of convalescence, followed by a stabilized rating based on what was removed.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of a creative organ is added on top of your combined rating — approximately $130/month (2025 rate) under 38 U.S.C. §1114(k). This payment is automatic when a hysterectomy or oophorectomy is service-connected, but it is frequently missed by raters. If your decision letter does not mention SMC-K after a service-connected reproductive surgery, it should be challenged.
Understanding the surgical codes — and ensuring every one that applies is on your claim — is critical because the difference between DC 7617 and DC 7618 is tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Below we break down exactly what each code covers, who qualifies, and how to file.
Diagnostic Codes 7617 · 7618 · 7619
100% for three months after surgery, then 30% or 50% — plus Special Monthly Compensation for loss of a creative organ.
Use the eligibility criteria and claim steps on this page to pursue this claim without leaving the guide.
Understanding Hysterectomy Ratings
DC 7617 — Complete hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy
Removal of the uterus and both ovaries. Rated at 100% for 3 months post-surgery, then 50%. This is the highest stabilized gynecological surgical rating. SMC-K is added for loss of creative organ.
DC 7618 — Hysterectomy, corpus removed
Removal of the uterus with one or both ovaries retained. Rated at 100% for 3 months, then 30%. SMC-K still applies for loss of the uterus as a creative organ.
DC 7619 — Oophorectomy (ovary removal)
Removal of one or both ovaries without hysterectomy. Both ovaries removed: 100% for 3 months, then 30%. One ovary removed: 100% for 3 months, then 0% — but SMC-K still applies for loss of a creative organ.
DC 7620 — Complete atrophy of both ovaries
When both ovaries cease to function (complete atrophy) due to disease, injury, or treatment — rated at 20%. This can apply when ovarian function is destroyed by toxic exposure, radiation, or chemotherapy without surgical removal.
Do you qualify for a Hysterectomy Ratings claim?
You had a hysterectomy or oophorectomy to treat a service-connected gynecological condition (fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian disease, cancer, MST-related injury).
The surgery was performed during service, or after discharge for a condition that began in or was caused by service.
A medical nexus connects the surgical condition to service — showing the underlying disease or injury was service-connected.
If the surgery was performed by the VA or a VA-authorized provider for a service-connected condition, the connection is typically straightforward.
Even if the underlying condition was rated at 0% or 10%, the surgical code and SMC-K apply once surgery is performed.
Not sure whether you qualify? Eligibility can be complex. An accredited representative can confirm exactly where you stand before you invest time in applications.
What a Hysterectomy Ratings claim actually gives you
DC 7617 — 100% then 50%
Uterus + both ovaries removed: 100% for 3 months post-op, then 50% stabilized. The most favorable gynecological surgical code.
DC 7618 — 100% then 30%
Uterus removed, ovaries kept: 100% for 3 months, then 30%. If one ovary is later removed, the claim should be updated to reflect the additional loss.
DC 7619 — Ovary removal
Both ovaries: 100% for 3 months then 30%. One ovary: 100% for 3 months then 0%. SMC-K applies in either case.
SMC-K — loss of creative organ
Approximately $130/month (2025 rate) added ON TOP of your combined rating. Applies to hysterectomy, bilateral or unilateral oophorectomy. Frequently missed.
Surgical menopause complications
Early menopause from bilateral oophorectomy can cause osteoporosis, cardiovascular changes, hot flashes, and mood disorders — each potentially ratable as a secondary condition.
Convalescent rating
The 100% temporary rating applies for 3 months from the date of surgery. If recovery takes longer, you can request an extension. The temporary rating also applies to any related hospitalization.
What this means for you
Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries performed on women — and when it results from a service-connected condition, the compensation is among the most straightforward in the VA system. The challenge is not eligibility; it is ensuring the correct code is applied and that SMC-K is not missed. The difference between DC 7617 (50%) and DC 7618 (30%) over a lifetime is significant. If you had reproductive surgery for a condition connected to your service, make sure every element of the compensation is on the table.
Filing a Hysterectomy Ratings claim, step by step
Gather surgical records
Operative report, pathology report, and post-surgical treatment records. These show exactly what was removed and why.
Confirm service connection of the underlying condition
The surgery must be for a service-connected condition. If the underlying condition (fibroids, endometriosis, etc.) is already service-connected, the surgical claim is straightforward.
File VA Form 21-526EZ
List the specific surgery — hysterectomy, oophorectomy — separately from the underlying condition. Reference the surgical diagnostic codes (7617, 7618, or 7619) if possible.
Request SMC-K explicitly
State on your claim that you are requesting Special Monthly Compensation under 38 U.S.C. §1114(k) for loss of a creative organ. Do not assume the rater will add it automatically.
Claim secondary conditions
Early menopause, osteoporosis, depression, hot flashes, and cardiovascular changes from surgical menopause are each ratable secondary conditions under §3.310.
Review your decision letter carefully
Verify the correct diagnostic code was applied (7617 vs. 7618 matters), that the 100% convalescent period is correct, and that SMC-K is listed. If anything is missing, file a Supplemental Claim or Higher-Level Review.
Women Veterans Call Center
Staffed entirely by women. Call or text for help with claims, surgical ratings, or SMC-K questions.
1-855-829-6636What trips women veterans up
Not filing for SMC-K — loss of a creative organ compensation is frequently missed by raters and worth ~$130/month for life.
Accepting DC 7618 (30%) when both ovaries were also removed — that should be DC 7617 (50%).
Not claiming the underlying condition separately — the fibroid or endometriosis claim may have an earlier effective date than the surgery.
Missing surgical menopause secondaries — osteoporosis, mood disorders, cardiovascular changes are separately ratable.
Not requesting a convalescence extension if recovery took longer than 3 months.
Assuming one ovary removed at 0% stabilized means nothing — SMC-K still applies and is paid monthly for life.
Hysterectomy Ratings: your questions answered
What is the VA rating after a hysterectomy?
It depends on what was removed. DC 7617 (uterus + both ovaries) = 100% for 3 months then 50%. DC 7618 (uterus only, ovaries retained) = 100% for 3 months then 30%. In both cases, SMC-K adds approximately $130/month on top for loss of a creative organ.
What is SMC-K and how do I get it?
SMC-K is Special Monthly Compensation for the loss or loss of use of a creative organ under 38 U.S.C. §1114(k). It is approximately $130/month added on top of your combined disability rating. It applies to hysterectomy and oophorectomy. State the request explicitly on your claim form — do not assume it will be added automatically.
Can I get compensation for early menopause after surgery?
Yes. Surgical menopause (from bilateral oophorectomy) can cause hot flashes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular changes, mood disorders, and sleep disturbance — each ratable as a secondary condition under 38 CFR §3.310.
What if my hysterectomy happened years after discharge?
Yes, you can still file. If the underlying condition that necessitated the surgery (fibroids, endometriosis, cancer) is service-connected, the surgical compensation applies regardless of when the surgery was performed.
Does the 100% temporary rating apply if the surgery was at a civilian hospital?
Yes. The 100% convalescent rating applies based on the surgery and recovery, not where it was performed. You will need the operative and pathology reports.
What if my decision letter has the wrong surgical code?
Yes, challenge it. If you had a total hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy but the decision lists DC 7618 instead of DC 7617, file a Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claim to have the correct code applied. The difference is 50% vs. 30% — tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
See every reproductive health condition rated by the VA, or estimate the rating that could expand your compensation.
Not sure where to start?
Whether you need help understanding your rating, building a nexus, or challenging a decision, a free review of your situation can put you on the right path.
