Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic hormonal condition that affects women during their reproductive years and it impacts thousands of women veterans long after military service ends. If you developed PCOS during active duty or your service aggravated the condition, you may qualify for VA disability compensation.
PCOS is often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and minimized. As the National Institutes of Health has noted, PCOS remains “under-recognized, underdiagnosed, and understudied,” which creates real barriers for women seeking care and benefits.
“Women veterans are frequently told PCOS is just a lifestyle issue, when in reality it’s a serious endocrine disorder with long-term health consequences,” said Brian Reese, VA disability expert.
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This guide explains PCOS causes in veterans, VA disability ratings, how to prove service connection, secondary conditions, and how to file a strong VA claim.
What Is PCOS and Why It Matters for Veterans?
PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting roughly 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. It disrupts ovulation, hormone balance, and insulin regulation, often leading to infertility, chronic inflammation, and cardiometabolic disease.
For women veterans, PCOS is especially relevant because military service can involve environmental exposures, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, chronic stress, irregular sleep cycles, and extreme physical demands, all of which may contribute to hormonal dysfunction.
“The military environment can act as a trigger for PCOS in genetically susceptible women,” explained Reese, “especially when endocrine disruptors and chronic stress are involved.”
Causes of PCOS in Women Veterans
While there is no single confirmed cause of PCOS, research suggests several service-related risk factors for veterans:
- Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (fuels, solvents, pesticides)
- Chronic stress and cortisol dysregulation
- Sleep deprivation and circadian rhythm disruption
- Rapid weight changes during deployment
- Inflammatory responses tied to military training environments
PCOS symptoms like irregular cycles, weight gain, and fatigue also directly affect deployment readiness, which increases the likelihood symptoms are documented during service.
PCOS Symptoms Veterans Should Recognize
PCOS presents differently in each woman, but common symptoms include:
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
- Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
- Acne or oily skin
- Thinning hair or hair loss
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Infertility or ovulation problems
- Insulin resistance or prediabetes
“Many veterans normalize these symptoms for years, not realizing they point to a compensable condition,” said Reese.
VA Disability Ratings for PCOS
The VA rates PCOS under the General Rating Formula for Disease, Injury, or Adhesions of Female Reproductive Organs, typically under Diagnostic Code 7615 when ovarian dysfunction affects menstruation.
PCOS VA Rating Chart
| PCOS Severity & Treatment Response | VA Rating |
|---|---|
| Symptoms not controlled by continuous treatment | 30% |
| Symptoms that require continuous treatment | 10% |
| Symptoms that do not require treatment | 0% |
Important Note: If PCOS leads to a hysterectomy, the VA assigns:
- 100% rating for 3 months post-surgery
- Then 30% or 50%, depending on reproductive organ loss
“Treatment response is the deciding factor,” Reese explained. “If medication doesn’t control symptoms, that’s where higher ratings come into play.”
Getting a PCOS Diagnosis: What Veterans Need
Before filing a VA claim, you must have an official medical diagnosis of PCOS.
Diagnosis usually requires two of the following three criteria:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
- Elevated androgen levels (symptoms or lab results)
- Polycystic ovaries confirmed by ultrasound
Testing typically includes:
- Blood hormone panels
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Metabolic screening
Early diagnosis helps reduce long-term risks such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
How to Service-Connect PCOS?
To win a PCOS VA disability claim, you must prove:
- Current Diagnosis
Medical records confirming PCOS - In-Service Event or Aggravation
Evidence of symptoms, exposure, or hormonal disruption during service - Medical Nexus
A medical opinion linking PCOS to military service
“A strong nexus letter often makes or breaks PCOS claims,” said Reese.
How to File a VA Claim for PCOS?
- Confirm eligibility for VA disability compensation
- Gather medical records and service documentation
- Complete VA Form 21-526EZ
- Submit your claim online, by mail, or in person
- Attend any required medical examinations
You must have a diagnosis before filing.
Evidence That Strengthens a PCOS VA Claim
Although evidence is not always required, it significantly improves approval odds.
Helpful evidence includes:
- Medical records and lab results
- Nexus letters
- Lay statements describing symptom history
- Deployment or exposure documentation
“PCOS claims are evidence-driven. The more documentation, the better,” Reese emphasized.
Secondary Conditions Linked to PCOS
PCOS often leads to secondary service-connected conditions, which may qualify for additional ratings.
Common secondary conditions include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Dyslipidemia
- Sleep apnea
- Depression and anxiety
- Chronic inflammation
- Infertility
If PCOS causes or aggravates another condition, you may file a secondary VA claim.
PCOS and Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
If PCOS or its secondary conditions prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU).
TDIU pays at the 100% VA rate, even if your combined rating is lower.
“When PCOS leads to severe fatigue, depression, or metabolic disease, TDIU becomes a real possibility,” said Reese.
VA Health Care and Support Services for PCOS
The VA offers a wide range of services for veterans with PCOS, including:
- Hormonal medications
- Infertility treatments
- Pre-conception and maternity care
- Nutrition counseling
- Weight management programs (MOVE!)
- Metabolic disorder screening
- Mental health treatment
Final Thought
PCOS is a legitimate, compensable VA disability that affects many women veterans. With the right diagnosis, service connection, and evidence, veterans can secure ongoing monthly compensation and healthcare support.
“Women veterans deserve to be heard and properly compensated for PCOS,” Brian Reese said. “This condition is real, serious, and often service-related.”
FAQs
Do I need a C&P exam for PCOS?
Not always, but a confirmed diagnosis is required.
Can PCOS be service-connected?
Yes, if it began during service or was aggravated by service conditions.
Is PCOS rated separately from infertility?
Infertility may qualify as a secondary condition.
Can I join the military with PCOS?
Yes, if symptoms are controlled and you meet fitness standards.
Can PCOS qualify me for TDIU?
Yes, if it prevents substantially gainful employment.
