★ Genitourinary
Bladder Dysfunction (Voiding) VA Rating
38 CFR § 4.115a (Voiding Dysfunction)
Overview
VA rates by the predominant area of dysfunction — leakage, frequency, or obstruction.
Veterans with neurogenic bladder secondary to spine conditions often qualify under leakage tables.
How to Establish Service Connection
- Secondary: most commonly secondary to spinal cord injury, severe IVDS, MS, or prostate conditions.
- Direct: in-service trauma or surgery.
Rating Criteria
Paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.115a (Voiding Dysfunction)
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 20% | Leakage requiring wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed less than 2 times per day. |
| 40% | Leakage requiring wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed 2 to 4 times per day. |
| 60% | Leakage requiring use of an appliance, or absorbent materials which must be changed more than 4 times per day. |
| 10%–40% | Urinary frequency: daytime voiding interval (10% for 2–3 hrs / nocturia 2x; up to 40% for <1 hr / nocturia 5+x). |
| 0%–30% | Obstructed voiding (up to 30% with required catheterization or markedly diminished stream). |
See what each percentage pays in 2026 and how it combines with your current rating →
Evidence Checklist
- Urology notes.
- Voiding diary.
- Documentation of pads/appliances used.
- Urodynamic testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a Bladder Dysfunction (Voiding) claim or denial?
Four fields. A VA-accredited claims agent reviews it and responds within 3–5 business days. Contingent fees apply only to awarded past-due benefits on appeals — never on initial claims.
Requesting a consultation does not create representation and is not a guarantee of any outcome. Representation begins only after a written fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a are signed.
Educational content only — not legal advice and not medical advice. Rating criteria on this page are summarized in plain English from 38 CFR Part 4; consult VA.gov or the current Code of Federal Regulations for official criteria. This page provides general education about how the VA rates this condition; it is not individualized advice, does not establish a representation relationship, and should not be used to self-diagnose, self-treat, or decide a course of action without speaking to a qualified clinician and a VA-accredited representative. Outcomes depend on each veteran's individual facts, evidence, and the adjudicator's judgment; no specific rating, effective date, or other result is guaranteed. Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.