Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects many veterans due to service-related physical or mental health conditions. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers disability compensation for veterans whose erectile dysfunction is connected to their military service or conditions like diabetes mellitus or Agent Orange exposure.
What Is the VA Rating for Erectile Dysfunction?
VA rates ED under Diagnostic Code 7522, titled “Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity.” Unlike other conditions, erectile dysfunction itself does not receive a percentage rating but qualifies veterans for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for the “loss of use of a creative organ.”
VA previously assigned a 20% rating for penile deformity with erectile dysfunction but now provides a 0% rating, reflecting that ED does not impact earning capacity. However, veterans may qualify for SMC-K, which provides $132.74 per month in 2024. This compensation acknowledges the loss of use of a reproductive organ and is awarded in addition to other disability payments.
Service Connection for Erectile Dysfunction
To prove service connection for erectile dysfunction, a veteran must establish a link, or “nexus,” between their military service and the condition. This requirement is outlined in key cases such as Pond v. West, 12 Vet. App. 341 (1999), and Shedden v. Principi, 381 F.3d 1163 (2004). A successful claim for service connection generally requires three elements:
- Current medical evidence of erectile dysfunction at the time of the claim.
- Evidence of an event or condition during military service that caused or aggravated erectile dysfunction.
- A medical nexus connecting the current erectile dysfunction to the in-service event or condition.
Veterans can also claim erectile dysfunction as a secondary condition, meaning it was caused or worsened by an existing service-connected disability.
ED as Secondary Condition
Sleep Apnea and Erectile Dysfunction
There is a well-documented link between sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction due to the body’s reduced oxygen levels, poor sleep quality, and disrupted hormone production. Sleep apnea can also lead to fatigue, decreased libido, and overall reduced energy, all of which can contribute to ED.
Tinnitus and Erectile Dysfunction
While it may seem surprising, tinnitus—a condition causing persistent ringing in the ears—can also be connected to erectile dysfunction. Veterans who suffer from tinnitus frequently experience anxiety, irritability, and poor sleep, all of which can contribute to ED. The constant noise can make it difficult to relax or sleep, increasing stress and diminishing a veteran’s quality of life.
Tinnitus is often paired with other conditions like PTSD or depression, creating a combination of physical and psychological stressors that ultimately impact sexual health. For veterans who experience both tinnitus and erectile dysfunction, there may be a clear pathway to filing for secondary service connection.
Erectile Dysfunction and PTSD
ED Secondary to Depression
Other Connected Conditions
Erectile dysfunction can also be linked to other health issues that veterans face, including:
Diabetes, for instance, affects blood flow and nerve health, both important for maintaining an erection. Similarly, anxiety can create a cycle of performance-related stress that makes ED more likely.
Veterans who suffer from these conditions may also qualify for VA disability compensation for secondary erectile dysfunction, particularly when they can demonstrate how these underlying issues directly contribute to the development of ED.
How Does VA Test for Erectile Dysfunction?
VA doesn’t require a specific test for erectile dysfunction but relies on medical records and the C&P exam to confirm the diagnosis. Veterans need to provide:
- Medical records documenting the diagnosis
- Statements from healthcare providers linking ED to military service or conditions
- VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam results
The VA Erectile Dysfunction Exam
A Compensation and Pension exam helps VA determine if your erectile dysfunction is service-connected and assess its severity, which can lead to benefits like Special Monthly Compensation.
The erectile dysfunction C&P exam focuses on three key areas:
- Confirming Diagnosis: The examiner reviews your medical history and current symptoms to confirm your ED diagnosis.
- Service Connection: They assess if your ED is linked to military service or a secondary condition like PTSD, diabetes mellitus, or Agent Orange exposure.
- Evaluating Severity: The examiner evaluates how ED affects your daily life, including relationships and quality of life.
What to Expect During the C&P Exam for Erectile Dysfunction
- Medical History Review: The examiner will review your medical records, particularly any diagnosis or treatments related to erectile dysfunction and conditions like diabetes mellitus.
- Discussion of Symptoms: You’ll discuss how erectile dysfunction affects your life and relationships, including how long you’ve experienced symptoms and any treatments you’ve tried.
- Physical Exam: A physical assessment may be performed, but it’s not always required. Be prepared to stop the exam if you’re uncomfortable.
- Psychological Assessment: Since ED can be tied to mental health issues like PTSD or depression, the examiner may ask about your mental well-being if it is a concern.
VA DBQ for Erectile Dysfunction
The VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for erectile dysfunction is an important tool used during a C&P exam to evaluate the severity and impact of a veteran’s condition. This form is filled out by the examiner and helps provide the VA with comprehensive details about the veteran’s male reproductive organ conditions, including erectile dysfunction.
Some of the important sections of the DBQ include:
- Diagnosis: Confirms whether the veteran has erectile dysfunction and records any related diagnoses.
- Medical History: Provides details on the history, onset, and progression of the veteran’s disability and any treatments.
- Physical Exam: Includes an examination of the penis, testes, and prostate to document any abnormalities or deformities.
- Functional Impact: Assesses how erectile dysfunction impacts the veteran’s daily life and ability to perform occupational tasks.
Proving an Erectile Dysfunction VA Claim
To prove an ED claim, veterans need:
- A confirmed diagnosis
- Evidence linking ED to service or a service-connected condition
- Documentation showing ED’s effect on daily life
Veterans can also provide buddy statements and nexus letters from healthcare providers to strengthen their claim.
My Claim Was Denied, What Can I Do?
If your VA claim for erectile dysfunction was denied, you still have several paths to pursue:
- Request a Higher-Level Review: Ask for a senior VA reviewer to re-examine your claim. This option doesn’t require new evidence but provides a fresh look at the original claim and evidence.
- Submit a Supplemental Claim: If you have new and relevant evidence that wasn’t part of the original claim, you can file a Supplemental Claim to strengthen your case.
- File an Appeal with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals: You can file this within one year of VA’s decision to formally begin your appeal.
It’s important to act within VA’s deadlines and ensure all necessary documentation is provided to support your appeal. Working with a VA-accredited representative can help guide you through the process and improve your chances of a successful outcome. 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.
