Veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder may develop secondary conditions like erectile dysfunction. These secondary conditions can be directly linked to PTSD through various causes, including the medications prescribed to manage PTSD symptoms, the mental and emotional stress that PTSD imposes, and even the overall effect of PTSD on a veteran’s interpersonal relationships. If erectile dysfunction is caused or worsened by PTSD, veterans may be eligible for additional VA benefits and compensation.
VA Ratings for ED Secondary to PTSD
Erectile dysfunction is rated under Diagnostic Code 7522, and it is usually assigned a 0% non-compensable rating. This rating reflects the fact that ED itself typically does not directly impair a veteran’s earning capacity. However, veterans diagnosed with erectile dysfunction secondary to PTSD can receive compensation in the form of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for the “loss of use of a creative organ.”
Additionally, some veterans may qualify for schedular ratings if there are other conditions related to ED, such as penile deformity. Ratings include:
- 20% under DC 7522 for deformity of the penis with loss of erectile power.
- 30% if half or more of the penis is removed under DC 7520.
- 20% if the glans (head) of the penis is removed under DC 7521.
- 20% for atrophy of both testicles under DC 7523.
- 30% if both testicles are removed under DC 7524.
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How to Get VA Disability
Successfully filing for ED secondary to PTSD requires demonstrating a nexus, or connection, between the service-connected PTSD and the erectile dysfunction. This can be achieved through:
- Medical Evidence: A diagnosis of both PTSD and ED must be present in your medical records. It’s essential to provide records showing that the erectile dysfunction either started after your PTSD diagnosis or worsened because of PTSD treatment.
- Causal Link (Nexus Letter): Obtain a Nexus Letter from a qualified healthcare professional. This letter must clearly explain how your PTSD or its treatment caused or worsened your ED. The letter should reference specific medical research or studies, as well as your personal medical history, to establish this connection.
- Personal Statements and Lay Evidence: Statements from yourself, loved ones, or fellow service members can support your claim. These statements should explain how your PTSD has impacted your sexual function and overall well-being.
- Prescribed Medications: Many medications used to treat PTSD, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, have well-known side effects that include sexual dysfunction. It’s important to highlight these medications in your medical records to strengthen the case that your erectile dysfunction is secondary to your PTSD treatment.
Case Example: Erectile Dysfunction Secondary to PTSD
In this case, a veteran who served in the Marine Corps from January 1981 to March 1985 filed a claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. The veteran argued that his PTSD, as well as the medications prescribed for it, contributed to or aggravated his ED. After reviewing the evidence, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD, awarding the veteran additional disability benefits.
The Board determined that the veteran’s ED was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, recognizing the relationship between the veteran’s mental health condition, PTSD medications, and his erectile dysfunction.
How This Claim Was Won:
- Secondary Service Connection for ED: The Board found sufficient evidence linking the veteran’s ED to his service-connected PTSD. Specifically, the veteran’s PTSD included symptoms such as depression and anxiety, both of which are commonly associated with sexual dysfunction. Moreover, the medications prescribed for managing PTSD symptoms were considered contributing factors to his ED.
- Medical Evidence Linking PTSD to ED: A critical element of the case was the medical evidence provided, including the veteran’s VA examination. The VA examiner diagnosed the veteran with erectile dysfunction and highlighted the role of his PTSD and medications in either causing or worsening the condition. While there were additional factors, such as substance misuse, the Board resolved reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran, determining that his PTSD played a significant role.
- Use of PTSD Medications: The veteran argued that the medications he was prescribed for PTSD had adverse side effects, including sexual dysfunction. The Board gave weight to this argument, considering the known side effects of common PTSD medications, which often include erectile dysfunction as a possible complication.
- Supportive Lay Testimony: The veteran’s personal testimony during his hearing was another important factor. He described his experiences with erectile dysfunction after starting treatment for PTSD, providing a detailed account of how his condition evolved alongside his mental health struggles. This lay evidence supported the medical findings and provided a comprehensive picture of the impact of PTSD on his physical health.
Winning a claim for erectile dysfunction secondary to PTSD relies on providing compelling medical evidence, establishing a clear causal link, and providing a thorough account of how the conditions are interconnected. Veterans who suffer from ED due to PTSD can receive Special Monthly Compensation, and in some cases, may qualify for higher schedular ratings depending on the specifics of their condition.
Were You Denied Benefits?
Gathering the necessary medical documentation and personal testimony will strengthen your case and should secure the benefits you deserve. But sometimes you need legal assistance to navigate VA’s complicated rules and procedures – and uncover details that will win higher ratings. Our attorneys are experts in VA law. Get in touch for a free evaluation of your case.
Content Reviewed by
Attorney Matthew Hill
Attorney Matthew Hill, licensed in Florida and Washington D.C., a dedicated advocate for disabled veterans with over two decades of experience, reviewed the information in this post.
