Chapter 16 - Urinary, Sexual and Reproductive Impairment

---

Table of Contents PDF Version

---

Introduction

This chapter provides criteria for assessing permanent impairment from entitled urinary, sexual and reproductive conditions.

The chapter is divided into two sections. The first section provides criteria to rate impairment of upper and lower urinary tract conditions. The second section provides criteria to rate impairment of sexual and reproductive conditions.

Impairment from rectovaginal fistula(e) is rated within Chapter 14, Gastrointestinal Impairment.

Impairment from loss of a kidney due to tuberculosis is rated within Chapter 24, Tuberculosis Impairment.

Impairment from malignant urinary, sexual and reproductive conditions is rated within Chapter 18, Malignant Impairment. Follow the steps contained within the Malignant Impairment chapter.

Rating Tables

This chapter contains four “Loss of Function” tables and two “Other Impairment” tables which may be used to rate entitled urinary, sexual and reproductive conditions.

The tables within this chapter are:

Rating Tables

Table	Loss of Function	Other Impairment
Table 16.1	Loss of Function - Upper Urinary Tract	This table is used to rate impairment in the upper urinary tract.
Table 16.2	Loss of Function - Lower Urinary Tract	This table is used to rate impairment in the lower urinary tract.
Table 16.3	Loss of Function - Sexual and Reproductive - Male	This table is used to rate impairment in female sexual and reproductive function.
Table 16.4	Loss of Function - Sexual and Reproductive - Female	This table is used to rate impairment in female sexual and reproductive function.
Table 16.5	Other Impairment - Breasts - Male	This table is used to rate impairment of the male breast.
Table 16.6	Other Impairment - Breasts - Female	This table is used to rate impairment of the female breast.

Section 1 - Determining Impairment Assessment of Urinary Tract Function

The tables that may be used to rate impairment from urinary tract conditions are:

Section 1 - Determining Impairment Assessment of Urinary Tract Function

Table	Loss of Function	Other Impairment
Table 16.1	Loss of Function - Upper Urinary Tract	This table is used to rate impairment in the upper urinary tract.
Table 16.2	Loss of Function - Lower Urinary Tract	This table is used to rate impairment in the lower urinary tract.

Loss of Function - Upper Urinary Tract

Table 16.1 is used to rate impairment from conditions of the upper urinary tract (kidney and ureter). Only one rating may be selected for each entitled condition. If more than one rating is applicable for an entitled condition, the ratings are compared and the highest selected.

Ratings in the upper urinary tract table take into account the presence of signs and symptoms and laboratory findings which may accompany the urinary tract impairment. Signs and symptoms include hypertension, chronic anemia, edema, headache, dyspnea, fatigue, fever, chills, back pain, dizziness, hematuria, anuria and recurrent urinary infections.

The creatinine clearance test is used in routine practice to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The GFR is the single best indicator of overall renal function.

Creatinine clearance may be estimated either by analysis of a 24 hour urine collection or from the serum creatinine level by applying the following modified Cockcroft-Gault formula:

Males

Creatinine clearance (mL/min)^b = 1.2 (140 - patient's age, years) (TBW, kg) / (serum creatinine, µmol/L)

Females

Multiply equation above by 0.85.

^bTo convert from mL/min to SI (mL/s) divide the mL/min value by 60.
Abbreviation: TBW = Total Body Weight

When entitled upper urinary tract conditions result in permanent impairment of other organ systems, a consequential entitlement decision is required. If awarded, the resulting impairment of that organ system(s) will be rated using the applicable body system specific table(s).

If non-entitled conditions or conditions rated within another chapter/table of the Table of Disabilities are contributing to the overall impairment, then the Partially Contributing Table (PCT) must be applied to arrive at the rating which is due to the entitled condition(s) rated within this table.

Loss of Function - Lower Urinary Tract

Table 16.2 is used to rate impairment from conditions of the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra), prostate and epididymis. Only one rating may be selected for each entitled condition. If more than one rating is applicable for an entitled condition, the ratings are compared and the highest selected.

When entitled lower urinary tract conditions result in permanent impairment of other organ systems, a consequential entitlement decision is required. If awarded, the resulting impairment of that organ system(s) will be rated using the applicable body system specific table(s).

If non-entitled conditions or conditions rated within another chapter/table of the Table of Disabilities are contributing to the overall impairment, then the Partially Contributing Table (PCT) must be applied to arrive at the rating which is due to the entitled condition(s) rated within this table.

Table 16.1 - Loss of Function - Upper Urinary Tract

Only one rating may be given for each entitled condition from Table 16.1. If more than one rating is applicable for an entitled condition, the ratings are compared and the highest rating is selected.

Each bullet (•) represents one criterion. In order for a rating to be established for Table 16.1, follow the "ands" and "ors".

Table 16.1 - Loss of Function - Upper Urinary Tract

Rating	Criteria
Nil	Normal or mildly impaired renal function; and No clinical signs of renal disease.
Four	Pyelonephritis: up to 2 attacks per year; or Kidney stones: occasional attacks of renal colic.
Nine	Diminution in renal function evidenced by creatinine clearance less than 63 mL/min (< than 90 L / 24hrs). Signs and symptoms and abnormal laboratory findings may be present; or Pyelonephritis: 3 - 4 attacks per year; or Kidney stones: yearly attacks of renal colic; or Chronic unilateral hydronephrosis with infection.
Thirteen	Pyelonephritis: more than 4 attacks per year; or Nephrectomy; or Chronic bilateral hydronephrosis with infection.
Twenty-one	Successful renal transplant (minimum value).
Twenty-six	Diminution in renal function evidenced by creatinine clearance of less than 53 mL/ min (< than 75 L /24 hrs). Signs and symptoms and abnormal laboratory findings may be present; or Permanent urinary diversion with ostomy of the skin (i.e. nephrostomy, ureterointestinal, ileal conduit, cutaneous ureterostomy).
Forty-three	Diminution in renal function evidenced by creatinine clearance of less than 43 mL/ min (< than 60 L /24 hrs). Signs and symptoms and abnormal laboratory findings may be present.
Fifty-seven	Diminution in renal function evidenced by creatinine clearance of less than 33 mL/ min (< than 48 L /24 hrs). Signs and symptoms and abnormal laboratory findings may be present.
Eighty-one	Diminution in renal function evidenced by creatinine clearance of less than 28 mL/ min (< than 40 L /24 hrs). Signs and symptoms and abnormal laboratory findings may be present; or Requiring constant peritoneal or hemodialysis.

Steps to Determine Urinary Tract Assessment (Upper Tract)

• Step 1: Determine the rating from Table 16.1 (Loss of Function - Upper Urinary Tract).
• Step 2: Does the Partially Contributing Table apply? If yes, then apply to rating at Step 1.
• Step 3: Determine the Quality of Life rating.
• Step 4: Add the ratings at Step 2 and Step 3.
• Step 5: If partial entitlement exists, apply to the rating above.

This is the Disability Assessment

Table 16.2 - Loss of Function - Lower Urinary Tract

Only one rating may be given for each entitled condition from Table 16.2. If more than one rating is applicable for an entitled condition, the ratings are compared and the highest selected.

Each bullet (•) represents one criterion. In order for a rating to be established for Table 16.2, only one criterion must be met at a level of impairment for that rating to be selected.

Table 16.2 - Loss of Function - Lower Urinary Tract

Rating	Criteria
Nil	Voiding dysfunction: occasional symptoms of dysuria, urgency or frequency; or Prostatectomy.
One	Obstructed voiding: with hesitancy or diminished stream; or Lower urinary tract infection: occurring 1-2 times per year.
Four	Voiding dysfunction: symptoms of dysuria, urgency and/or frequency; daytime voiding every 3 hours and awakening once through the night; or 1 - 2 incontinent pads required daily; or Chronic epididymitis without urinary tract symptoms but with ongoing pain.
Nine	Obstructed voiding: requiring 2 - 4 dilatations per year; or Lower tract infection: occurring at least 4 times per year despite long term prophylactic antibiotic drug therapy.
Thirteen	Voiding dysfunction: symptoms of dysuria, urgency and frequency; daytime voiding every 2 hours and nocturia 2 - 3 times per night; or More than 2 incontinent pads required daily.
Eighteen	Voiding dysfunction: symptoms of dysuria, urgency and frequency; daytime voiding every 1 hour and nocturia 4 - 5 times per night; or Permanent use of condom catheter; or Obstructed voiding: with any one of the following: post-void residuals greater than 150 cc; uroflometry - markedly diminished peak flow rate (less than 10 cc/sec); stricture disease requiring more than 4 dilatations per year
Twenty-six	Voiding dysfunction: symptoms of dysuria, urgency and frequency, with less than 30 minutes between voidings andvoiding more than 5 times per night; or Obstructed voiding: with urinary retention requiring intermittent daily catheterization.
Thirty-four	Voiding dysfunction: no voluntary control of bladder; or Permanent indwelling catheter.
Forty-three	Voiding dysfunction: with painful urinary frequency and voids every 15 minutes day and night; or Permanent suprapubic catheter.

Steps to Determine Urinary Tract Assessment (Lower Tract)

• Step 1: Determine the rating from Table 16.2 (Loss of Function - Lower Urinary Tract).
• Step 2: Does the Partially Contributing Table apply? If yes, then apply to rating at Step 1.
• Step 3: Determine the Quality of Life rating.
• Step 4: Add the ratings at Step 2 and Step 3.
• Step 5: If partial entitlement exists, apply to the Step 4 rating.

This is the Disability Assessment

Section 2 - Determining Impairment Assessment of Sexual and Reproductive Function

Selection of Tables

The tables that may be used to rate impairment from sexual and reproductive conditions are:

Section 2 - Determining Impairment Assessment of Sexual and Reproductive Function

Table	Loss of Function	Other Impairment
Table 16.3	Loss of Function - Sexual and Reproductive - Male	This table is used to rate impairment in male sexual and reproductive function.
Table 16.4	Loss of Function - Sexual and Reproductive - Female	This table is used to rate impairment in female sexual and reproductive function.
Table 16.5	Other Impairment - Breasts - Male	This table is used to rate impairment of the male breast.
Table 16.6	Other Impairment - Breasts - Female	This table is used to rate impairment of the female breast.

Loss of Function - Sexual and Reproductive - Male

Table 16.3 is used to rate impairment from male sexual and reproductive conditions. Only one rating may be selected for each entitled condition. If more than one rating is applicable for an entitled condition, the ratings are compared and the highest selected.

For Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) purposes "Sterility" is defined as the complete inability to produce offspring despite medical intervention.

When entitled male sexual and reproductive conditions result in permanent impairment of other organ systems, a consequential entitlement decision is required. If awarded, the resulting impairment of that organ system(s) will be rated using the applicable body system specific table(s).

If non-entitled conditions or conditions rated within another chapter/table of the Table of Disabilities are contributing to the overall impairment, then the Partially Contributing Table (PCT) must be applied to arrive at the rating which is due to the entitled condition(s) rated within this table.

Loss of Function - Sexual and Reproductive - Female

Table 16.4 is used to rate impairment from female sexual and reproductive conditions.

Only one rating may be selected for each entitled condition. If more than one rating is applicable for an entitled condition, the ratings are compared and the highest selected.

For Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) purposes "Sterility" is defined as the complete inability to produce offspring despite medical intervention.

When entitled female sexual and reproductive conditions result in permanent impairment of other organ systems, a consequential entitlement decision is required. If awarded, the resulting impairment of that organ system(s) will be rated using the applicable body system specific table(s).

If non-entitled conditions or conditions rated within another chapter/table of the Table of Disabilities are contributing to the overall impairment, then the Partially Contributing Table (PCT) must be applied to arrive at the rating which is due to the entitled condition(s) rated within this table.

Other Impairment - Breasts - Male

Table 16.5 is used to rate impairment from male breast conditions. Only one rating may be selected for each entitled condition. If more than one rating is applicable for an entitled condition, the ratings are compared and the highest selected.

When entitled male breast conditions result in permanent impairment of other organ systems, a consequential entitlement decision is required. If awarded, the resulting impairment of that organ system(s) will be rated using the applicable body system specific table(s).

If non-entitled conditions or conditions rated within another chapter/table of the Table of Disabilities are contributing to the overall impairment, then the Partially Contributing Table (PCT) must be applied to arrive at the rating which is due to the entitled condition(s) rated within this table.

Other Impairment - Breasts - Female

Table 16.6 is used to rate impairment from female breast conditions. Only one rating may be selected for each entitled condition. If more than one rating is applicable for an entitled condition, the ratings are compared and the highest selected.

When entitled female breast conditions result in permanent impairment of other organ systems, a consequential entitlement decision is required. If awarded, the resulting impairment of that organ system(s) will be rated using the applicable body system specific table(s).

If non-entitled conditions or conditions rated within another chapter/table of the Table of Disabilities are contributing to the overall impairment, then the Partially Contributing Table (PCT) must be applied to arrive at the rating which is due to the entitled condition(s) rated within this table.

Table 16.3 - Loss of Function - Sexual and Reproductive - Male

Only one rating may be given for each entitled condition from Table 16.3. If more than one rating is applicable for an entitled condition, the ratings are compared and the highest selected.

Each bullet (•) represents one criterion. In order for a rating to be established for Table 16.3, only one criterion must be met at a level of impairment for that rating to be selected.

Table 16.3 - Loss of Function - Sexual and Reproductive - Male

Rating	Criteria
Nil	Circumcision; or Varicocele, hydrocele or spermatocele asymptomatic; or Vasectomy*.
One	Unilateral atrophy of the testicle.
Four	Loss of one testicle; or Peyronie's disease; still capable of intercourse; or Varicocele, hydrocele or spermatocele symptomatic; or Erectile dysfunction responsive to treatment; or Bilateral atrophy of the testicles*.
Nine	Permanent sterility.
Eighteen	Severe post-ejaculatory pain sufficient to cause total avoidance of intercourse*; or Peyronie's disease; incapable of intercourse*; or Erectile dysfunction unresponsive to treatment*; or Loss of up to one-half of the penis*.
Twenty-six	Loss of more than one-half of the penis*; or Bilateral loss of testicles*.

* A separate rating for permanent sterility is not given for these conditions.

Steps to Determine Sexual and Reproductive Assessment (Male)

• Step 1: Determine the rating from Table 16.3 (Loss of Function - Sexual and Reproductive - Male).
• Step 2: Does the Partially Contributing Table apply? If yes, then apply to rating at Step 1.
• Step 3: Determine the Quality of Life rating.
• Step 4: Add the ratings at Step 2 and Step 3.
• Step 5: If partial entitlement exists, apply to the Step 4 rating.

This is the Disability Assessment

Table 16.4 Loss of Function - Sexual and Reproductive - Female

Only one rating may be given for each entitled condition from Table 16.4. If more than one rating is applicable for an entitled condition, the ratings are compared and the highest selected.

Each bullet (•) represents one criterion. In order for a rating to be established for Table 16.4, only one criterion must be met at a level of impairment for that rating to be selected.

Table 16.4 - Loss of Function - Sexual and Reproductive - Female

Rating	Criteria
Nil	Tubal ligation*; elective; or Permanent sterility; onset at or after natural menopause; or Hysterectomy*; elective, postmenopausal.
One	Dysmenorrhea.
Four	Unilateral oophrectomy; premenopausal.
Nine	Chronic, pelvic pain and/or heavy irregular bleeding requiring continuous treatment to control; or Permanent sterility; premenopausal; or Bilateral loss of tubal patency*; premenopausal; or Bilateral salpingectomy* (not carried out for contraceptive purposes); premenopausal; or Hysterectomy*; premenopausal.
Thirteen	Chronic pelvic pain not controlled by treatment.
Eighteen	Dyspareunia, with persistent inability to participate in vaginal intercourse.
Twenty-six	Vulvectomy; or Clitoridectomy; or Bilateral oophrectomy*; premenopausal; or Severe vaginal stenosis.

* A separate rating for permanent sterility is not given for these conditions.

Steps to Determine Sexual and Reproductive Assessment (Female)

• Step 1: Determine the rating from Table 16.4 (Loss of Function – Sexual and Reproductive – Female)
• Step 2: Does the Partially Contributing Table apply? If yes, then apply to rating at Step 1.
• Step 3: Determine the Quality of Life rating.
• Step 4: Add the ratings at Step 2 and Step 3.
• Step 5: If partial entitlement exists, apply to the Step 4 rating.

This is the Disability Assessment

Table 16.5 - Other Impairment - Breasts - Male

Only one rating may be given for each entitled condition from Table 16.5. If more than one rating is applicable for an entitled condition, the ratings are compared and the highest selected.

Each bullet (•) represents one criterion. In order for a rating to be established for Table 16.5, only one criterion must be met at a level of impairment for that rating to be selected.

Table 16.5 - Other Impairment - Breasts - Male

Rating	Criteria
Nil	Lumpectomy with no sequella; or Gynaecomastia, operated, no sequella.
One	Gynaecomastia; or Unilateral mastectomy.
Four	Bilateral mastectomy; or Persistent mammary discharge.

Steps to Determine Assessment (Male Breast)

• Step 1: Determine the rating from Table 16.5 (Other Impairment - Breasts - Male).
• Step 2: Does the Partially Contributing Table apply? If yes, then apply to rating at Step 1.
• Step 3: Determine the Quality of Life rating.
• Step 4: Add the ratings at Step 2 and Step 3.
• Step 5: If partial entitlement exists, apply to the Step 4 rating.

This is the Disability Assessment

Table 16.6 - Other Impairment - Breasts - Female

Only one rating may be given for each entitled condition from Table 16.6 If more than one rating is applicable for an entitled condition, the ratings are compared and the highest selected.

Each bullet (•) represents one criterion. In order for a rating to be established for Table 16.6, only one criterion must be met at a level of impairment for that rating to be selected.

Table 16.6 - Other Impairment - Breasts - Female

Rating	Criteria
Nil	Lumpectomy with no sequella.
Four	Partial unilateral mastectomy or segmental resection; or Unilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery; or Persistent mammary discharge.
Nine	Unilateral mastectomy without reconstructive surgery; or Bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery.
Thirteen	Radical unilateral mastectomy; or Simple bilateral mastectomy without reconstructive surgery.
Twenty-six	Radical bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction.

Steps to Determine Assessment (Female Breast)

• Step 1: Determine the rating from Table 16.6 (Other Impairment - Breasts -Female).
• Step 2: Does the Partially Contributing Table apply? If yes, then apply to rating at Step 1.
• Step 3: Determine the Quality of Life rating.
• Step 4: Add the ratings at Step 2 and Step 3.
• Step 5: If partial entitlement exists, apply to the Step 4 rating.

This is the Disability Assessment