Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often recognized as a secondary condition to various physical and mental health disorders. One emerging connection is between ED and tinnitus, a condition involving persistent ringing or noise in the ears.
A nationwide population-based study revealed that individuals with tinnitus are 1.77 times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction than those without tinnitus. Veterans who suffer from both conditions may be eligible for compensation if they can establish a secondary service connection between ED and tinnitus.
VA Rating for Erectile Dysfunction Secondary to Tinnitus
VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of a condition, but erectile dysfunction itself does not receive a rating unless it is part of a larger issue, such as the loss of use of a creative organ. Veterans diagnosed with ED may be eligible for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) under the category SMC(k) for loss of use of a creative organ.
However, to receive compensation for ED secondary to tinnitus, veterans must demonstrate that their tinnitus directly caused or aggravated their ED. Typically, tinnitus is rated at 10% under Diagnostic Code 6260 but connecting the two conditions for a secondary rating requires medical evidence.
How to Win Your VA Claim
To win a VA claim for erectile dysfunction secondary to tinnitus, veterans must provide strong medical evidence showing a clear link between the two conditions. This can include:
- Medical Nexus Letter: A physician’s statement explaining how the veteran’s tinnitus caused or aggravated their ED.
- Treatment Records: Documentation of treatment for both tinnitus and erectile dysfunction.
- Personal Statements: Written statements from the veteran or family members detailing the impact of tinnitus on sexual health and erectile function.
- Expert Opinions: Opinions from specialists like audiologists or urologists who can connect the symptoms of tinnitus with the development of erectile dysfunction.
It’s important to emphasize how tinnitus has impacted the veteran’s quality of life, mental health, and overall functionality, which can lead to the onset of ED. VA compensation is likely to depend on a well-documented case that ties the two conditions together.
ED Secondary to Tinnitus and Other Conditions: Case Example
In this case, a veteran who served from December 1974 to August 1977 filed a claim for disability benefits due to multiple conditions, including tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, insomnia, depression, hypertension, and a left shoulder disability. The veteran believed that several of these conditions were interconnected and caused or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus. Specifically, he argued that his ED was secondary to his depression, hypertension, and the medications prescribed for these conditions, all of which were themselves linked to his tinnitus and insomnia.
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals reviewed the evidence and ultimately decided in favor of the veteran on several key issues. The Board granted service connection for ED as secondary to depression, hypertension, and medications prescribed for those conditions, which were all secondary to the veteran’s service-connected tinnitus. Additionally, service connection was granted for insomnia, depression, and hypertension. The left shoulder disability claim was denied.
How This Case Was Won:
- Interconnected Conditions – The veteran’s ability to successfully demonstrate the link between tinnitus and various conditions was crucial to his claim. The veteran argued that his tinnitus had caused insomnia, which led to depression and hypertension. The Board found sufficient medical evidence to support these claims, including statements from physicians who had treated the veteran for years.
- Secondary Service Connection for ED – The veteran’s ED was found to be secondary to his depression and hypertension. The Board reviewed medical opinions that linked the veteran’s ED to both his mental health condition and the medications he was prescribed for depression and hypertension. This demonstrates how veterans can successfully claim secondary service connection for ED when it is caused by other service-connected conditions.
- Strong Medical Evidence Throughout the case, the veteran presented multiple medical opinions from VA and private physicians supporting the claim. One physician noted that tinnitus often aggravates insomnia and depression, while another highlighted the increased risk of hypertension and sexual dysfunction in patients suffering from these conditions. These consistent medical opinions across various conditions strengthened the veteran’s case.
- Tinnitus as a Foundational Condition The veteran’s service-connected tinnitus served as the foundational condition for many of the claims, including erectile dysfunction, depression, and hypertension. By connecting these conditions to the already established service-connected disability, the veteran was able to build a strong case for secondary service connections, making this a key strategy in his appeal.
This case highlights how veterans can win claims for multiple interconnected conditions by presenting strong medical evidence and establishing secondary service connections. The veteran’s success was largely due to his ability to link his service-connected tinnitus to other conditions, including insomnia, depression, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction.
What if I Need Help but Can’t Afford an Attorney?
Hill & Ponton specializes in helping veterans who can’t keep gainful employment and are in most need of assistance. If you were denied or underrated for ED secondary to tinnitus, our VA-accredited lawyers may be able to appeal on your behalf to win benefits. Get a free evaluation here.
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.
