Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue among male veterans. The good news is that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes erectile dysfunction as a condition eligible for compensation. However, understanding how the VA rates ED and how it fits into your overall disability compensation strategy is key to filing a successful claim.
How Much VA Disability Compensation Can You Get for Erectile Dysfunction?
Generally speaking, erectile dysfunction is rated at 0% by the VA. However, it qualifies for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for the loss of use of a creative organ.
As of 2023, the SMC-K rate is $128.12 per month and will increase with annual cost-of-living adjustments. This payment is separate from your regular VA disability rating.
Example Scenarios
- If you have a 70% VA disability rating, you can receive the additional $128.12 on top of your monthly compensation.
- If you are rated at 100%, you will still receive the extra $128.12 per month in addition to your regular payment.
How to File a VA Claim for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is often a secondary condition—meaning it is caused or aggravated by another service-connected disability or medication. This makes it easier to establish a connection and successfully file a claim.
Steps to File a Successful Claim:
- Diagnosis: You need a current medical diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.
- Nexus Statement: You must provide a medical opinion linking the erectile dysfunction to a service-connected condition or medication.
- For example, if you take medication for a mental health condition like PTSD or depression, erectile dysfunction could be listed as a known side effect.
- Current Symptoms: You need to provide evidence of current symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
- Medical Evidence: If your VA doctor refuses to complete a nexus statement, you can seek a private doctor’s opinion.
Common Causes of Secondary Erectile Dysfunction Claims:
- Medications for PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues
- Spinal cord injuries
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular conditions
Why Erectile Dysfunction is an Easy VA Claim to Win
1. Logical Connection
If erectile dysfunction is caused by a medication prescribed for a service-connected condition, the link is straightforward. Many mental health medications list erectile dysfunction as a known side effect.
2. Easy Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exam
Unlike orthopedic C&P exams that require physical measurements, the C&P exam for erectile dysfunction is primarily based on your statements and medical evidence.
- You will not be asked to remove clothing or undergo a physical exam.
- The examiner will simply ask about your symptoms and history—there is no physical inspection involved unless there’s a penile deformity claim.
3. High Approval Rate
Erectile dysfunction is very common among veterans, so the VA is more likely to approve a well-documented claim.
Important Considerations
✅ SMC-K Adds Compensation but NOT to Your Overall Disability Rating
- Erectile dysfunction is rated at 0%.
- The $128.12 monthly payment from SMC-K is additional compensation, but it will not increase your combined VA disability rating.
- If your goal is to increase your rating to reach 100%, an ED claim alone will not help you achieve that.
✅ Timing Matters
- If you are already rated at 100% permanent and total (P&T), filing for erectile dysfunction might trigger a full review of your disability rating.
- If a review results in a decrease in your rating, you could lose more in monthly benefits than you gain from the extra $128.12 per month.
✅ Protected Ratings and the 20-Year Rule
- If you have been rated at a certain percentage for 20 years, your rating becomes protected from reduction.
- If you are close to the 20-year mark, you may want to wait to file for ED to avoid risking a downgrade of your overall rating.
Filing Erectile Dysfunction as a Secondary Claim
Erectile dysfunction is one of the easiest claims to win as a secondary condition. If you are on medications known to cause ED or have another service-connected condition that logically leads to ED, you have a strong case.
📌 For more information on filing a VA claim for erectile dysfunction, visit the official VA website:
👉 VA Disability Compensation – Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K)
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Veterans should consult with a VA-accredited claims representative or healthcare provider for assistance with filing a claim.
