Erectile dysfunction is a common problem for veterans, especially those with mental health conditions like PTSD. One study found that 85% of male veterans with PTSD struggled with sexual dysfunction.
Getting service-connected for ED can make you eligible for special monthly compensation (SMC-K). This compensation is paid in addition to your regular disability compensation check.
Medical Evidence
Having the proper medical evidence is critical for veterans seeking disability benefits. The most important proof is current medical records that show exams, diagnosis, and treatment for erectile dysfunction. Also necessary is documentation showing an event or conditions that caused, aggravated, or worsened the situation.
Lastly, any documentation establishing a connection between the military service and the erectile dysfunction will help strengthen the claim. For example, a physician’s nexus letter explaining how a service-connected PTSD diagnosis or medication is directly connected to the ED can be helpful.
For example, research has shown that male veterans diagnosed with PTSD are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction. One study showed that 85% of the sample group with PTSD experienced ED. This is because PTSD can cause or exacerbate depression, which can then lead to ED. Fortunately, this problem can be treated with medications.
Expert Witnesses
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a widespread side effect of both mental health conditions like PTSD and other medications used to treat them. However, many veterans are unaware that a VA disability rating for ED can be awarded.
The VA would assign a single, 20 percent disability rating for erectile dysfunction if the Veteran lost their penis in the course of military service or due to a physical deformity of the penis or glans. The rating also considers that the Veteran receives special monthly compensation for the loss of a creative organ. Moreover, the erectile dysfunction VA rating is pivotal in determining the balance and support available to veterans affected by this service-related health issue.
Expert witnesses are crucial in the claims process because they educate attorneys, judges, and juries on the clinically significant aspects of a case. They can translate the scientific, medical language into a format that is understood by those who do not have medical training. This allows them to direct the conversation better and ensure that only relevant information is discussed.
Evidence of a Secondary Connection
Unlike primary service connection, where you have to prove that an event in service caused your medical condition, secondary service connection allows you to be awarded disability benefits for diseases aggravated by another illness or injury. Often, this will involve showing that your erectile dysfunction stems from or is a direct result of an already service-connected condition like diabetes or a presumptive cancer.
Several different illnesses, injuries, and conditions that veterans develop in service can contribute to erectile dysfunction, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep apnea. Also, certain medications veterans receive in service can hurt sexual functioning and lead to ED.
Proving a secondary connection is usually easier than establishing a primary service-connected disability rating. However, you still need to provide evidence that links your original condition to your erectile dysfunction. The best way to do this is to submit a nexus letter that establishes the link between your ED and your service-connected disability.
Evidence of a Direct Connection
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition among men of all ages. It can cause many issues, including depression and anxiety. Different factors, including stress, lifestyle, and medications, can cause ED. Many veterans who have erectile dysfunction that was incurred during their service can receive disability compensation for this condition.
VA will determine whether the erectile dysfunction is service-connected by evaluating the symptoms, the diagnosis, and the evidence of record. To get a service connection rating for erectile dysfunction, the Veteran must have a documented symptom or diagnosis of erectile dysfunction that was incurred or aggravated by their military service.
Several conditions can make a Veteran eligible for a rated erectile dysfunction, such as DC 7520 (Penis Deformity) or DC 7521 (Glans Deformity). If a veteran had a testicle removed and the remaining testicle became atrophied or nonfunctional, this condition would be rated at 30%.
