---
title: "DC 7516 - Bladder, fistula of"
diagnostic_code: "7516"
body_system: "Genitourinary System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.115b"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/genitourinary/7516-bladder-fistula-of"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.115b"
updated: "2026-07-21T20:52:46.674250Z"
---

# DC 7516 - Bladder, fistula of

Rated under § 4.115b. Body system: Genitourinary System.

Rate as voiding dysfunction or urinary tract infection, whichever is predominant.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| 100% | Postoperative, suprapubic cystotomy |

## Notes

- Note: When evaluating any claim involving loss or loss of use of one or more creative organs, refer to § 3.350 of this chapter to determine whether the veteran may be entitled to special monthly compensation. Footnotes in the schedule indicate conditions which potentially establish entitlement to special monthly compensation; however, there are other conditions in this section which under certain circumstances also establish entitlement to special monthly compensation.

# Bladder Fistula (VA Diagnostic Code 7516)

**Genitourinary System · 38 CFR § 4.115b**

## What This Condition Is

A **bladder fistula** is an abnormal connection involving the bladder. The VA classifies this condition under Diagnostic Code 7516 within the Genitourinary System.

Because the effects of a bladder fistula can show up in different ways, the VA does not use a single fixed set of percentages for it. Instead, the condition is rated based on how it primarily affects you.

## How the VA Rates a Bladder Fistula

According to the rating criteria, a bladder fistula is rated **as voiding dysfunction or urinary tract infection, whichever is predominant.** In other words, the VA looks at which of these two problems is the more significant part of your condition and applies the rating criteria for that problem.

### Available Rating Level

| Rating | Criteria |
| --- | --- |
| **100%** | Postoperative, suprapubic cystotomy |

## What the VA Looks For

When evaluating a bladder fistula, the VA considers:

- **Which effect is predominant** — voiding dysfunction or urinary tract infection — and rates the condition accordingly.
- **Postoperative status**, including whether there is a suprapubic cystotomy, which corresponds to the **100%** level shown above.

## Important Note on Special Monthly Compensation

When a claim involves the **loss or loss of use of one or more creative organs**, the VA refers to **§ 3.350** to determine whether a veteran may be entitled to **special monthly compensation (SMC)**. Footnotes in the rating schedule indicate conditions that may potentially establish entitlement to SMC; other conditions in this section may also establish entitlement under certain circumstances.

---

*This information is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule for Diagnostic Code 7516 (§ 4.115b). It is provided for general educational purposes and does not guarantee any particular rating or outcome.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.115b