Part V, Subpart iii, Chapter 8, Section BDisabilities of the Breast

Revised May 14, 2018

V.iii.8.B.1.a#Malignant Neoplasms of the Breast

Malignant neoplasms of male or female breast tissue (38 CFR 4.116, diagnostic code (DC) 7630) are evaluated at 100 percent for active cancer. For female Veterans, consider corresponding entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC). Important: Separate 100-percent evaluations will be assigned for both active gynecological cancer and active breast cancer. Metastasis of a gynecological cancer or breast cancer to a different body system will also be evaluated separately. References: For more information on

• temporary total evaluations for cancers, see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 8.D.3.e
• evaluating malignant neoplasms and associated impairments, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.D.5.a and b, and
• considering SMC (k) due to loss of breast tissue, see
  • 38 CFR 3.350(a), and
  • M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 4.A.4.k.

V.iii.8.B.1.b#Disfigurement Due to Benign or Malignant Neoplasms

Do not evaluate disfigurement due to benign or malignant neoplasms of the breast analogous to 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7800 unless there is actual disfigurement of the head, face, or neck. DC 7800 is for evaluation of disfigurement of the head, face, or neck only.

V.iii.8.B.1.c#Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Do not routinely award service connection (SC) for fibrocystic breast disease. Although this condition is termed a disease, it is actually a physiologic finding that is generally acute and transient. In the absence of associated pathology, SC is not warranted. Additionally, fibrocystic breasts are not associated with increased risk of breast cancer unless the changes are associated with atypical hyperplasia.Examples of associated pathology that may warrant SC for fibrocystic breast disease are

• persistent lumps or thickening requiring surgical excision, or
• fibrocystic breast changes with associated atypical hyperplasia.

Use the table below to determine when SC for pathology associated with claimed fibrocystic breast disease is warranted as well as the proper DC to use in the evaluation.

V.iii.8.B.1.d#Elective Breast Surgery

Breast surgeries that are not medically necessitated, such as reduction mammoplasty for cosmetic purposes and any expected residual effects thereof, are not subject to SC. Such procedures are considered elective surgeries and therefore do not meet the provisions of a disease or injury incurred coincident with service.Important: If reduction mammoplasty is recommended to alleviate physical discomfort, such as back, shoulder, or neck pain, SC should be considered on the basis of aggravation only, and if so established, SMC (k) would be payable if the resultant tissue loss meets the requirements of the statute.References: For more information about

• principles relating to SC, see
  • 38 CFR 3.303, and
  • M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 2.A
• aggravation of pre-service disability, see
  • 38 CFR 3.306, and
  • M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 2.C, and
• entitlement to SMC (k), see
  • 38 CFR 3.350(a), and
  • M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 4.A.4.

V.iii.8.B.1.e#Gynecomastia

SC may be established for gynecomastia when the evidence shows that it was incurred in or caused by military service. However, consideration must be given to whether there is clear evidence that the condition existed prior to service. Evaluate gynecomastia depending on symptoms and/or pre- or post-surgical resection status under

• 38 CFR 4.116, DC 7626
• 38 CFR. 4.116, DC 7631, or
• 38 CFR 4.118, DC 7804/7805.

Note: Under 38 CFR 4.116, DC 7626, no more than a noncompensable evaluation can be assigned as there is no significant alteration in size or form since the removal of excess tissue results in a return to breast size within normal limits for a human male.