Free · From a nonprofit · No account needed
Breast, surgery of
Diagnostic code 7626 · Gynecological conditions and disorders of the breast · 38 CFR 4.116
Rating criteria: the exact regulation text
Quoted from 38 CFR 4.116. The "Rating" column is the percentage VA assigns for that level.
Printed at the start of this table in the regulation:
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Note 1: Natural menopause, primary amenorrhea, and pregnancy and childbirth are not disabilities for rating purposes. Chronic residuals of medical or surgical complications of pregnancy may be disabilities for rating purposes. | |
| Note 2: When evaluating any claim involving loss or loss of use of one or more creative organs or anatomical loss of one or both breasts, 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, almost any condition in this section might, under certain circumstances, establish entitlement to special monthly compensation. |
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7626 Breast, surgery of: | |
| Following radical mastectomy: | |
| Both | 1 80 |
| One | 1 50 |
| Following modified radical mastectomy: | |
| Both | 1 60 |
| One | 1 40 |
| Following simple mastectomy or wide local excision with significant alteration of size or form: | |
| Both | 1 50 |
| One | 1 30 |
| Following wide local excision without significant alteration of size or form: | |
| Both or one | 0 |
| Note: For VA purposes: | |
| (1) Radical mastectomy means removal of the entire breast, underlying pectoral muscles, and regional lymph nodes up to the coracoclavicular ligament. | |
| (2) Modified radical mastectomy means removal of the entire breast and axillary lymph nodes (in continuity with the breast). Pectoral muscles are left intact. | |
| (3) Simple (or total) mastectomy means removal of all of the breast tissue, nipple, and a small portion of the overlying skin, but lymph nodes and muscles are left intact. | |
| (4) Wide local excision (including partial mastectomy, lumpectomy, tylectomy, segmentectomy, and quadrantectomy) means removal of a portion of the breast tissue. |
Where else the regulation mentions this code
These lines appear under other codes or headings in the schedule and name this code.
Note: A rating of 100 percent shall continue beyond the cessation of any surgical, radiation, antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedure. Six months after discontinuance of such treatment, the appropriate disability rating shall be determined by mandatory VA examination. Any change in evaluation based upon that or any subsequent examination shall be subject to the provisions of § 3.105(e) of this chapter. Rate chronic residuals according to impairment of function due to scars, lymphedema, or disfigurement (e.g., limitation of arm, shoulder, and wrist motion, or loss of grip strength, or loss of sensation, or residuals from harvesting of muscles for reconstructive purposes), and/or under diagnostic code 7626
Under diagnostic code 7630 (Malignant neoplasms of the breast)
7631 Benign neoplasms of the breast and other injuries of the breast. Rate chronic residuals according to impairment of function due to scars, lymphedema, or disfigurement (e.g., limitation of arm, shoulder, and wrist motion, or loss of grip strength, or loss of sensation, or residuals from harvesting of muscles for reconstructive purposes), and/or under diagnostic code 7626
Under diagnostic code 7631 (Benign neoplasms of the breast and other injuries of the breast)
Notes for the whole table
1 Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350 of this chapter.
Related codes in the regulation
- 7630 Malignant neoplasms of the breastMentioned together
- 7631 Benign neoplasms of the breast and other injuries of the breastMentioned together
The VA exam form for this condition
VA examiners record their findings on a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Reading it shows you what the exam will measure and ask.
Rules that apply to this body system
Where this comes from
38 CFR 4.116, VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, from the official eCFR.
Regulation text current as of October 16, 2026.
Change history for this code (38 CFR Part 4, Appendix A): Criterion May 22, 1995; criterion March 18, 2002.
Read it on eCFR.govInformation, not advice
This page shows the text of VA's rating regulation for information. It is not a rating estimate, and it is not legal or medical advice. VA decides every rating on the evidence in your file.
An accredited representative can help you with your claim for free. Find a VA-accredited representative.
File this claim for free
VetEZ Claim is a free app from VetClaims Alliance, a nonprofit. Start with an Intent to File (VA Form 21-0966): it can hold your effective date, the date back pay can start from, for up to a year while you get your claim ready. You review and sign each form, and the app sends it to VA. No subscriptions or paid upgrades.