DC 7628 · 38 CFR 4.116
Benign Breast Neoplasm C&P Exam Prep
To document the nature, extent, and functional impact of a diagnosed benign breast neoplasm and any chronic residuals including scars, lymphedema, disfigurement, and impairment of function for VA disability rating purposes under DC 7628.
- Format:
- Interview + Physical
- Typical duration:
- 30-45 minutes
- DBQ form:
- Breast_Conditions (Breast_Conditions)
- Examiner:
- Oncologist, Breast Surgeon, or appropriate clinician
What the examiner evaluates
- Presence and confirmation of benign breast neoplasm diagnosis with ICD code
- History of surgical treatment including biopsy, wide local excision, simple mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, or radical mastectomy
- Whether surgery caused significant alteration of breast size or form
- History of radiation therapy including side treated
- History of antineoplastic chemotherapy or other therapeutic procedures
- Presence of scars or disfigurement resulting from treatment
- Presence of lymphedema in the breast or arm
- Functional impairment of the arm, shoulder, or wrist related to treatment
- Loss of grip strength, sensation, or range of motion from treatment residuals
- Whether veteran is currently in watchful waiting status or treatment completed
- Impact of condition and residuals on daily activities and occupational function
- Whether condition is currently active or in remission
- Any other findings or conditions related to the breast disorder
Exam will include a physical examination of the breast(s) and potentially the arm and shoulder if lymphedema or functional impairment is claimed. Examiner will review your claims file, service treatment records, and any private medical records submitted. Bring all relevant medical records, operative reports, pathology reports, and imaging results. In most states you have the right to record the examination - inform the examiner at the start.
Measurements and tests
Breast and Chest Wall Physical Examination
What it measures: Presence of palpable masses, scar tissue, disfigurement, asymmetry, and alteration of breast size or form resulting from treatment
What to expect: The examiner will visually inspect and palpate the affected breast(s), noting surgical scars, contour changes, size differences between breasts, skin changes, and any residual masses. Both breasts may be compared.
Critical thresholds
- Significant alteration of size or form present Triggers higher rating consideration for surgical procedures and may support separate scar or disfigurement ratings
- No significant alteration of size or form Lower rating level for surgical residuals; rating driven by functional residuals under appropriate DC
Tips
- Point out all visible scars and describe any pain, tenderness, or tethering at scar sites
- If reconstruction was performed, describe any asymmetry or functional limitations from the reconstruction
- Note any skin changes from radiation such as fibrosis, discoloration, or tenderness
Pain considerations: Describe any chronic breast pain, tenderness at scar sites, or chest wall discomfort on your worst days, not just your average days.
Lymphedema Assessment (Arm and Breast)
What it measures: Presence, severity, and functional impact of lymphedema resulting from axillary or sentinel lymph node excision or radiation therapy
What to expect: The examiner may measure arm circumference at multiple points to assess swelling, evaluate range of motion of the shoulder and arm, and assess grip strength. You may be asked about heaviness, tightness, or swelling in your arm or hand.
Critical thresholds
- Lymphedema with functional limitation of arm/shoulder motion Rated separately under musculoskeletal DCs (e.g., DC 5201 for shoulder limitation of motion) as chronic residuals
- Lymphedema with loss of grip strength Rated separately under DC 5155 or applicable hand/wrist DC as a chronic residual
- Lymphedema present but without significant functional limitation May support rating under DC 7120 or applicable soft tissue DC
Tips
- Describe how lymphedema affects your ability to lift, carry, or perform overhead activities
- Note whether swelling worsens with activity, heat, or at end of day (worst day reporting)
- Mention any compression garments you use and how often
- Describe any numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers
Pain considerations: On your worst days, describe the heaviness, aching, tightness, and any difficulty using your arm due to swelling or discomfort.
Shoulder and Arm Range of Motion
What it measures: Limitation of motion in the shoulder, arm, or wrist resulting from surgical treatment, lymphedema, or muscle harvesting for reconstruction
What to expect: If you have functional complaints, the examiner may assess active and passive range of motion of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Measurements may be taken with a goniometer. You may be asked to perform movements such as reaching overhead, behind your back, or to the side.
Critical thresholds
- Forward flexion of shoulder 0-90 degrees Rated at 40% under DC 5201
- Forward flexion of shoulder 91-130 degrees Rated at 20% under DC 5201
- Forward flexion of shoulder 131-170 degrees Rated at 10% under DC 5201
Tips
- Perform range of motion testing to your actual comfortable limit, not pushing through severe pain
- Report any pain, weakness, or fatigue that occurs with movement
- Describe whether motion is worse after activity or at end of day (DeLuca factors)
- Mention if you have difficulty with activities like dressing, reaching shelves, or lifting
Pain considerations: Inform the examiner if pain limits your motion before the anatomical end range is reached, and describe the worst day severity of this limitation.
Scar Examination
What it measures: Presence, size, location, and characteristics of surgical scars including whether they are painful, unstable, or cause functional limitation
What to expect: The examiner will visually inspect and potentially palpate all surgical scars from biopsy, excision, or mastectomy procedures. They will note scar size, whether scars are adherent to underlying tissue, whether they are tender, and whether they cause any functional limitation.
Critical thresholds
- Scar causing significant disfigurement of breast Supports rating under appropriate scar DC as a chronic residual of DC 7628 - note M21-1 prohibits use of DC 7800 (head/face/neck disfigurement) for breast neoplasm disfigurement
- Scar that is painful or unstable May be ratable separately under DC 7804 (painful or unstable scars)
Tips
- Point out every scar from every surgical procedure you have had
- Describe whether any scars are tender to touch, itchy, burn, or limit your movement
- Mention if scars tighten or pull when you move your arm or shoulder
- Note any keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring
Pain considerations: Describe how scar tenderness or tethering affects your daily activities and whether it is worse with certain movements or weather changes.
Rating criteria by percentage
0%
DC 7628 itself does not assign a specific percentage rating. A 0% (noncompensable) rating may result if the benign neoplasm has been treated without resulting in chronic residuals such as scars, lymphedema, disfigurement, or functional impairment. The condition is still service-connected but rated at 0%.
Key symptoms
- Benign neoplasm present or history of benign neoplasm
- No significant surgical treatment or treatment completed without residuals
- No scars, lymphedema, disfigurement, or functional impairment remaining
- Watchful waiting status with no active treatment
From 38 CFR: DC 7628 requires rating chronic residuals under appropriate diagnostic code(s). If no chronic residuals exist, a noncompensable evaluation may be assigned for the benign neoplasm itself.
10%
Chronic residuals rated under applicable DC result in a 10% rating. Example: Surgical scar that is painful under DC 7804, or minimal limitation of shoulder or arm motion under DC 5201 from lymphedema or reconstructive surgery.
Key symptoms
- Painful surgical scar at biopsy or excision site
- Mild limitation of shoulder range of motion (e.g., forward flexion to 131-170 degrees)
- Minimal lymphedema without significant functional limitation
- Minor alteration of breast form following wide local excision
From 38 CFR: Under DC 5201: arm motion limited to 90 degrees at shoulder = 20%; at 131-170 degrees = 10%. Under DC 7804: one or two painful scars or scars not near a joint = 10%.
20%
Chronic residuals rated under applicable DC result in a 20% rating. Example: Moderate limitation of shoulder motion under DC 5201, or multiple painful scars under DC 7804, or moderate lymphedema causing functional restriction.
Key symptoms
- Moderate limitation of shoulder or arm motion (e.g., forward flexion 91-130 degrees)
- Three or four painful or unstable scars
- Moderate lymphedema with activity-related swelling and discomfort
- Significant alteration of breast size or form after wide local excision
From 38 CFR: Under DC 5201: arm motion limited to 90 degrees from side = 20%. Under DC 7804: three or four painful scars or one or two unstable scars = 20%.
30%
Chronic residuals rated under applicable DC result in a 30% or higher rating. Example: Severe limitation of shoulder motion under DC 5201 (ankylosis), severe lymphedema with significant functional impairment, or multiple unstable scars causing functional limitation.
Key symptoms
- Severe or complete limitation of shoulder abduction (0-90 degrees)
- Severe lymphedema significantly impairing arm use
- Five or more painful scars or three or more unstable scars
- Significant functional impairment from muscle harvesting for reconstruction
- Loss of sensation in arm or hand from lymph node excision or radiation neuropathy
From 38 CFR: Under DC 5201: arm motion limited to 45 degrees from side = 30%. Under DC 7804: five or more painful scars, three or more unstable scars, or unstable scar near a joint = 30%. Loss of grip strength or sensation rated under applicable DC for peripheral nerve impairment.
100%
A 100% rating under DC 7628 is not directly assigned. However, if the benign neoplasm transforms or is reclassified as malignant, rating shifts to DC 7630 at 100% during active malignancy. Chronic residuals from mastectomy procedures (modified radical or radical) rated under applicable residual DCs may cumulatively support a high combined rating. Note: Per M21-1, separate 100% evaluations are assigned for active breast cancer, not benign neoplasms.
Key symptoms
- Active malignancy detected (triggers reclassification to DC 7630)
- Radical mastectomy with severe functional residuals
- Severe lymphedema causing complete functional loss of arm
- Combination of multiple highly rated residuals achieving 100% combined rating
From 38 CFR: DC 7630 Malignant neoplasms of the breast: 100% during active malignancy. Chronic residuals after cessation of treatment rated under applicable DCs per M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, 3.D.5.a and b.
Describing your symptoms accurately
Surgical Treatment History
How to describe it: Clearly state every surgical procedure you have undergone, including dates, which breast was treated, the type of procedure (biopsy, wide local excision, lumpectomy, simple mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, radical mastectomy), and whether axillary or sentinel lymph nodes were removed. Specify whether any reconstruction was performed and what muscles were used.
Example: On my worst days, the surgical area from my lumpectomy pulls and aches so badly I cannot raise my right arm above shoulder height, and the scar feels like it is tearing when I try to reach across my body.
Examiner listens for: Specific procedure names and dates, laterality (which breast), whether lymph nodes were removed, evidence of significant alteration of breast size or form, and any ongoing symptoms directly tied to the surgical intervention.
Avoid: Do not say 'I had a procedure on my breast' - be specific. Do not minimize by saying 'it healed fine' if you still have pain, tightness, or movement limitations.
Scar Pain and Disfigurement
How to describe it: Describe the location of every scar, its approximate size, whether it is tender to touch, whether it causes burning or itching, whether it is raised or adherent to underlying tissue, and whether it restricts your movement or causes pain with activity.
Example: On my worst days, the scar from my excision is so tender I cannot wear a bra or any clothing that touches it directly, and the skin feels tight and pulls when I try to raise my arm or twist my torso.
Examiner listens for: Number of scars, whether scars are painful or unstable, proximity to joints, functional limitation caused by scar tethering or adherence, and any disfigurement of breast contour, shape, or size.
Avoid: Do not say 'it is just a scar' or 'it does not bother me much' if the scar is regularly painful or limits your activity. Do not fail to mention all scars including biopsy scars.
Lymphedema Symptoms
How to describe it: Describe the location of swelling (breast, arm, hand, or fingers), when it started, what makes it worse, how it affects your ability to use your arm, whether you use a compression garment, and how the swelling impacts your work and daily activities.
Example: On my worst days, my entire right arm from the armpit to my wrist swells so severely that I cannot close my hand into a fist, grip a steering wheel, or lift anything heavier than a cup of water without the arm feeling heavy and burning.
Examiner listens for: Onset of lymphedema after lymph node excision or radiation therapy, severity and frequency of swelling episodes, functional limitations in the arm and hand, use of compression garments, and impact on employment and activities of daily living.
Avoid: Do not minimize swelling as 'just a little puffiness.' Do not forget to mention that symptoms worsen with heat, activity, or at end of day. Do not fail to report numbness or tingling associated with lymphedema.
Arm and Shoulder Functional Impairment
How to describe it: Describe specific activities you cannot perform or perform with difficulty due to shoulder, arm, or wrist limitations from your breast treatment. Include difficulty with overhead reaching, lifting, dressing, driving, typing, or occupational tasks. Use the DeLuca factors: describe pain with motion, weakness, fatigue with repetitive use, and flare-ups.
Example: On my worst days, I cannot lift my left arm above chest height due to pain and weakness from the radiation fibrosis and lymph node removal. After any attempt at repetitive overhead activity, my arm aches deeply for hours and my grip becomes so weak I drop objects.
Examiner listens for: DeLuca factors - pain on motion, weakness, fatigue with use, incoordination, and flare-up frequency and severity. Specific functional tasks that are limited and whether limitations relate to the treated breast side.
Avoid: Do not perform range of motion beyond your comfortable limit just to seem cooperative. Do not forget to report that your symptoms are worse after activity or in certain weather. Do not fail to mention flare-ups of pain or swelling.
Radiation Therapy Residuals
How to describe it: If you received radiation therapy, describe any chronic skin changes (fibrosis, discoloration, sensitivity, burns), chest wall pain, fatigue, or secondary effects on the shoulder and arm. State which breast was treated and when treatment occurred.
Example: On my worst days, the skin over the radiated area of my right breast is so sensitive and thickened from fibrosis that even light clothing contact causes burning pain, and the tightness in my chest wall limits how deeply I can breathe and how far I can reach.
Examiner listens for: Chronic radiation dermatitis, fibrosis, chest wall pain, brachial plexopathy, fatigue, and any secondary lymphedema or vascular damage attributed to radiation fields.
Avoid: Do not say 'radiation was a long time ago so I am fine now' if you have ongoing skin changes, tightness, pain, or arm symptoms. Radiation residuals can persist for years and are ratable chronic residuals.
Impact on Daily Activities and Employment
How to describe it: Provide specific examples of how your benign breast neoplasm and its treatment residuals affect your ability to work, perform household tasks, care for yourself, engage in recreation, or maintain relationships. Be concrete - not 'it affects my life' but 'I cannot stock shelves, lift my children, or work a full day without stopping due to arm swelling and pain.'
Example: On my worst days, I cannot report to work because the combination of scar pain, arm swelling, and shoulder stiffness makes it impossible to sit at a desk and type for more than 20 minutes, and I require help washing my hair and dressing because I cannot raise my arm above my shoulder.
Examiner listens for: Specific occupational and functional limitations tied to the breast condition and its treatment residuals, frequency of bad days versus good days, and whether functional limitations are appropriately linked to the service-connected condition.
Avoid: Do not say 'I manage' or 'I get by' if you have substantially modified your life or work to accommodate your symptoms. Do not fail to mention days you cannot work, need help, or have had to cancel activities.
Common mistakes to avoid
Describing only the benign neoplasm itself and not its treatment residuals
Why: DC 7628 provides no standalone rating - your rating comes entirely from the chronic residuals of the condition and its treatment such as scars, lymphedema, and functional impairment. If you only discuss the lump itself, the examiner may document minimal findings.
Do this instead: Focus your description on every treatment you received (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) and every lasting symptom or physical change that resulted from that treatment.
Impact: All levels - without documented residuals, a 0% noncompensable rating is likely
Failing to mention all surgical procedures and their dates
Why: The DBQ specifically asks about procedure type (biopsy, wide local excision, mastectomy type), laterality, and whether significant alteration of size or form resulted. Omitting procedures means the examiner cannot accurately complete these fields.
Do this instead: Bring operative reports and pathology reports to the exam. List every procedure, the date, which breast, and what was removed or altered.
Impact: 10-30%+ - type and extent of surgery drives significant alteration findings
Not reporting lymphedema symptoms or minimizing their severity
Why: Lymphedema from axillary or sentinel lymph node excision is a significant ratable residual under DC 7628. Veterans often normalize swelling or consider it 'not a real problem' but it directly impacts arm function and rating.
Do this instead: Report all swelling in the arm, breast, or hand. Describe how it limits arm use, when it worsens, and what treatment you use (compression garments, manual drainage). Report on your worst days.
Impact: 20-40%+ under musculoskeletal and vascular DCs as residuals
Performing range of motion testing beyond your actual comfortable limit
Why: If you push through pain to demonstrate full range of motion, the DBQ will reflect higher motion than you actually have on a daily or worst-day basis, resulting in a lower musculoskeletal rating for residuals.
Do this instead: Stop at the point where you feel pain or significant resistance. Clearly state 'this is where I feel pain' or 'I cannot go further without significant pain.' The examiner should note pain on motion per DeLuca.
Impact: 10-40% under shoulder/arm motion DCs
Assuming a breast condition cannot be disabling or that scars do not count
Why: Many veterans underreport breast and scar residuals, believing the VA will not rate them significantly. Painful scars, breast disfigurement, and functional limitations from treatment are all ratable under specific diagnostic codes as chronic residuals.
Do this instead: Report every scar, its characteristics, and any functional limitation. Understand that each painful or unstable scar can contribute to your rating under DC 7804 and that disfigurement may support additional ratings.
Impact: 10-30%+ under scar and disfigurement DCs
Not mentioning radiation therapy or chemotherapy treatment received
Why: Radiation therapy and antineoplastic chemotherapy for a benign neoplasm can produce chronic residuals including skin fibrosis, chest wall changes, lymphedema, and brachial plexopathy. If not mentioned, these treatment-related residuals may not be evaluated.
Do this instead: Disclose all radiation therapy (side, dates, total dose if known) and any chemotherapy received. Describe all persistent symptoms you attribute to these treatments.
Impact: 10-40%+ depending on residuals documented
Reporting only average or good-day symptoms
Why: Per M21-1 guidance, VA examinations should capture the full range of severity including worst-day presentations. Reporting only how you feel on a good day results in a DBQ that understates your actual functional impairment.
Do this instead: For every symptom, explicitly describe both your typical day and your worst day. Use phrases like 'on my worst days' or 'at its worst' to ensure the examiner captures the full spectrum of your disability.
Impact: All levels - worst day reporting can shift ratings by one or more levels
Prep checklist
- critical
Gather all medical records related to your benign breast neoplasm
Collect pathology reports confirming benign diagnosis, operative reports for all surgical procedures, radiation therapy records, chemotherapy records, imaging studies (mammograms, ultrasounds, MRI), and all follow-up visit notes. Bring both VA and private medical records.
before exam
- critical
Create a written summary of your treatment history
Write down the date of diagnosis, type of benign neoplasm, every surgical procedure with approximate date and which breast was treated, whether lymph nodes were removed, whether radiation was received and to which side, and any chemotherapy. This helps ensure the examiner has accurate historical information.
before exam
- critical
Document all current symptoms and residuals with worst-day descriptions
Write down every chronic symptom you experience from your breast condition and treatment: scar pain and location, lymphedema swelling patterns, arm and shoulder limitations, skin changes from radiation, numbness or tingling. For each symptom, write a worst-day description.
before exam
- critical
Note all functional limitations caused by your condition
List specific activities you cannot do or do with difficulty: reaching overhead, lifting, carrying, dressing, driving, working, household tasks. Be specific about what you cannot do and why it relates to your breast treatment residuals.
before exam
- recommended
List all medications and treatments currently used for your condition
Include compression garments for lymphedema, pain medications, topical treatments for radiation skin changes, physical therapy, manual lymphatic drainage sessions, and any other ongoing treatment for your condition and its residuals.
before exam
- recommended
Obtain a buddy statement or personal statement documenting your limitations
A written statement from a family member, caregiver, or coworker describing how your breast condition affects your daily function can corroborate your reported symptoms. A personal statement (lay statement) from you detailing your worst days is also valuable.
before exam
- recommended
Review the applicable DBQ fields and rating criteria
Understand that DC 7628 rates residuals rather than the neoplasm itself. Know that surgery type (biopsy vs. mastectomy), alteration of size/form, lymph node excision, radiation, scars, lymphedema, and functional impairment are the key rating drivers. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions the examiner will ask.
before exam
- optional
Research your right to record the examination in your state
Most states permit veterans to audio or video record their C&P examination. Check your state laws and VA policy. If permitted, inform the examiner at the start of the appointment that you will be recording.
before exam
- critical
Arrive with all documents organized and accessible
Bring operative reports, pathology reports, radiation therapy records, imaging results, and any private medical records in an organized folder. Bring your written symptom summary. Do not rely solely on the VA having access to all your records.
day of
- recommended
Wear or bring your compression garment if you use one for lymphedema
The presence of a compression garment documents that you are actively managing lymphedema. If the garment was prescribed, bring documentation. If you normally wear it but remove it for the exam, show it to the examiner and explain its use.
day of
- recommended
Do not perform unusual physical activity before the exam
Do not do heavy lifting, prolonged overhead work, or other activities that would either artificially inflate or deflate your symptoms before the exam. Present in your typical condition.
day of
- optional
Inform the examiner you wish to record the examination (if applicable)
At the start of the appointment, before the examination begins, politely inform the examiner that you intend to audio record the examination per your rights. Set up your recording device visibly.
day of
- critical
Be specific about which breast was treated and all procedures performed
When asked about your history, provide specific procedure names (biopsy, lumpectomy, wide local excision, simple mastectomy, etc.), dates, and laterality. Do not say 'they did something to my breast' - be as precise as your records allow.
during exam
- critical
Report symptoms on a worst-day basis, not just average days
For every symptom, proactively add 'on my worst days' framing. If the examiner only asks how you are doing generally, volunteer what your worst days look like. This is consistent with M21-1 guidance on capturing full functional impairment.
during exam
- critical
Stop range of motion testing at your actual pain limit
During any physical examination of your arm or shoulder, stop at the point where you experience pain, do not push through to show you are tough. Clearly state 'this is where I feel pain' so the examiner can note it in the DeLuca section.
during exam
- critical
Point out every scar and describe its characteristics
Proactively show all surgical scars (biopsy, excision, mastectomy, drain sites, reconstruction). Describe each scar's tenderness, whether it is raised, adherent, or limits your movement. Do not assume the examiner will notice or ask about all of them.
during exam
- recommended
Describe DeLuca factors for any musculoskeletal or lymphedema complaints
Explicitly address: pain with motion, fatigue with use, weakness, any coordination difficulties, flare-up frequency and duration, and what triggers worsening. These factors support additional consideration beyond measured range of motion.
during exam
- recommended
Clarify if the examiner seems to misunderstand your symptoms
If the examiner summarizes your condition inaccurately or minimizes your symptoms, politely clarify. You may say 'I want to make sure I have accurately described this' and restate the symptom with its full impact.
during exam
- critical
Request a copy of the completed DBQ
You have the right to request a copy of the completed C&P examination DBQ. Submit a written request to the VA Regional Office or use VA.gov to access your records. Review it for accuracy and completeness.
after exam
- recommended
Document your recollection of the exam immediately afterward
As soon as possible after the exam, write down what was asked, what you said, what the examiner examined, and anything you felt was missed or inaccurately noted. This contemporaneous record is valuable if you need to challenge the DBQ findings.
after exam
- recommended
File a supplemental claim or request a new examination if the DBQ is inadequate
If the completed DBQ omits key findings, fails to address your residuals, or the examiner's opinion is unsupported, you have the right to challenge the examination adequacy and request a new one. Consider obtaining a private nexus or IMO letter from a treating physician.
after exam
- optional
Follow up with your treating physician to obtain supporting statements
Ask your breast surgeon, oncologist, or primary care physician to provide a narrative letter documenting your diagnosis, treatment history, chronic residuals, and their impact on your function. This private medical evidence can supplement or rebut the C&P findings.
after exam
Your rights during a C&P exam
- You have the right to a thorough and accurate C&P examination that evaluates all claimed residuals of your benign breast neoplasm under DC 7628, including scars, lymphedema, disfigurement, and functional impairment.
- You have the right to audio or video record your C&P examination in most states - inform the examiner at the start of the appointment.
- You have the right to request a copy of the completed DBQ after your examination through a records request to the VA Regional Office or via VA.gov.
- You have the right to challenge an inadequate or inaccurate C&P examination by requesting a new examination or submitting a private Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) to rebut its findings.
- You have the right to submit lay statements (from yourself or others) describing the functional impact of your condition to supplement the C&P examination findings.
- You have the right to have the VA apply the benefit of the doubt in your favor when evidence is in approximate balance under 38 U.S.C. 5107(b).
- Under DC 7628, your condition must be rated based on its chronic residuals under appropriate diagnostic codes - you are entitled to a rating for every ratable residual condition including scars (DC 7804), lymphedema (DC 7120), and musculoskeletal limitations (e.g., DC 5201).
- Per M21-1, disfigurement from breast neoplasms must NOT be evaluated under DC 7800 (which applies only to the head, face, or neck) - you have the right to have breast disfigurement rated under the appropriate alternative diagnostic code.
- You have the right to claim secondary service connection for conditions that develop as a result of your service-connected benign breast neoplasm and its treatment, such as lymphedema, radiation-induced conditions, or neuropathy.
- You have the right to request a higher-level review or file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) if you believe the VA's rating decision did not accurately reflect the severity of your condition and its residuals.
Related conditions
- Lymphedema Lymphedema of the arm or breast is a common chronic residual of axillary or sentinel lymph node excision performed as part of benign breast neoplasm treatment. It is ratable separately as a residual of DC 7628 under DC 7120 or applicable vascular diagnostic codes.
- Painful Surgical Scars Surgical scars from biopsy, wide local excision, or mastectomy procedures are ratable chronic residuals of DC 7628. Painful or unstable scars are rated under DC 7804 with ratings from 10% to 30% based on number and characteristics of scars.
- Limitation of Motion of the Arm (Shoulder) Limitation of shoulder or arm motion resulting from lymphedema, radiation fibrosis, scar tethering, or muscle harvesting for reconstruction is a ratable residual of DC 7628 rated under DC 5201 based on degrees of motion limitation.
- Malignant Breast Neoplasm If a benign breast neoplasm transforms to or is reclassified as malignant, the rating shifts from DC 7628 to DC 7630 at 100% during active malignancy. Veterans should report any change in pathology or new malignant diagnosis immediately to the VA.
- Peripheral Neuropathy (Breast/Arm Region) Peripheral neuropathy of the arm, intercostobrachial nerve, or brachial plexus can result from axillary lymph node dissection or radiation therapy as part of breast neoplasm treatment. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand may be ratable as a secondary residual.
- Radiation-Induced Skin Conditions Chronic radiation dermatitis, fibrosis, or skin changes resulting from radiation therapy for a benign breast neoplasm are ratable chronic residuals of DC 7628 under applicable dermatological diagnostic codes.
Get a personalized prep packet
This guide covers what to expect for any veteran with this condition. If you have already uploaded your medical records, sign in to generate a packet that maps your specific symptoms to the DBQ fields your examiner will fill out.
This C&P exam preparation guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or claims advice. Always consult with a qualified Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative or VA-accredited attorney for guidance specific to your claim. Never exaggerate, minimize, or fabricate symptoms during a C&P examination.