This tool provides estimates for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.
Erectile Dysfunction
- Even a 0% rating for ED qualifies for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K), providing additional monthly payment.
- Most commonly claimed as secondary to PTSD medications (SSRIs/SNRIs), diabetes, spinal conditions, or hypertension medications.
- SMC-K for loss of use of a creative organ is paid in addition to the regular combined disability compensation.
- The nexus between the primary condition (or its medications) and the onset of ED is the key evidence element.
- Veterans should document when ED symptoms began relative to starting medications for the primary condition.
Based on VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and related service-connection regulations. This page is a free community resource. We are not VA-accredited and do not file claims or provide legal advice (per 38 U.S.C. § 5904).
Last reviewed: April 2026 · Next review: October 2026
Maintained by: Veterans Benefits Navigator editorial team. Every citation links to a primary federal or state source. See editorial standards and our privacy posture.
Primary sources: 38 CFR Part 4 (Schedule for Rating Disabilities), VA.gov disability compensation, 38 CFR § 3.310 (secondary service connection)
Overview
Erectile dysfunction is a genitourinary condition rated under Diagnostic Code 7522, which evaluates "penis, deformity, with loss of erectile power." The VA assigns a 20% rating when there is both deformity and loss of erectile power, or a 0% (non-compensable) rating when there is loss of erectile power without deformity. However, the 0% rating is still significant because it establishes service connection and qualifies the veteran for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. 1114(k).
SMC-K is an additional monthly payment (approximately $131 as of 2024) provided for "loss of use of a creative organ," which includes erectile dysfunction regardless of the compensable rating level. This means even a 0% rating for ED results in additional monthly compensation through SMC-K, making it a valuable claim that veterans often overlook.
Erectile dysfunction is most commonly claimed as secondary to other service-connected conditions. PTSD medications (particularly SSRIs and SNRIs) are a frequent cause. Diabetes-related vascular and nerve damage, spinal conditions affecting the L5-S1 nerve roots, and hypertension medications can all contribute to ED. Establishing the nexus between the primary condition or its treatment and the onset of ED is the critical element.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Loss of erectile power without penis deformity. While non-compensable on the rating schedule, this still qualifies for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ. |
| 20% | Penis deformity with loss of erectile power. |
- 0%
Loss of erectile power without penis deformity. While non-compensable on the rating schedule, this still qualifies for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ.
- 20%
Penis deformity with loss of erectile power.
These criteria describe how a VA Compensation & Pension examiner evaluates the condition during a rating exam. They are not a self-test. For mental health conditions under 38 CFR 4.130, a diagnosis must be made by a qualified clinician under DSM-5. Actual ratings depend on the totality of evidence reviewed by the VA.
Evidence Checklist
Required
Urology evaluation
Evaluation by a urologist documenting the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, any physical deformity, and the severity of the condition.
Medication records
Documentation of medications for the primary condition (SSRIs, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications) that are known to cause ED as a side effect.
Recommended
Nexus to primary condition
Medical opinion or nexus letter explaining how the primary service-connected condition or its treatment medications cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Treatment records
Records showing treatment for ED including PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil), vacuum devices, or other interventions.
Helpful
Medication side effect documentation
FDA prescribing information or provider notes documenting that medications for the primary condition list ED as a known side effect.
Secondary Conditions
These conditions may be claimed as secondary to Erectile Dysfunction. A nexus is the medical link between a service-connected condition and a related condition. Nexus strength indicates the level of established medical evidence supporting that connection.
Depression
DC 9434, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%
Anxiety
DC 9400, Typical range: 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%
Explore all secondary conditions in the Secondary Condition Mapper tool.
Related DBQs
Male Reproductive System Conditions
Form 21-0960J-1
Female Reproductive System Conditions
Form 21-0960J-2
Search all DBQ forms in the DBQ Finder tool.
Next Steps
This information is for educational purposes only. We are not accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs and do not file claims, provide legal advice, or represent veterans before the VA (38 U.S.C. § 5904). For official assistance, contact a VSO, CVSO, or VA-accredited attorney.