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Erectile Dysfunction (ED) VA Disability Rating + SMC-K
DC 7522 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.115b | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.H
OVERVIEW
Erectile dysfunction is rated under Diagnostic Code 7522 at 38 C.F.R. § 4.115b. ED by itself is typically rated at 0% (non-compensable). However, when ED is secondary to a service-connected condition, it qualifies for Special Monthly Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(k) (SMC-K) at $139.87/mo. ED is one of the most under-claimed conditions because veterans do not realize it qualifies for separate compensation.
RATING CRITERIA (2 LEVELS)
10% — Erectile dysfunction (with or without penile deformity)
All erectile dysfunction evaluated at 10% under DC 7522, regardless of severity. Penile deformity (such as from Peyronie's disease) is included under this single rating. File separately from the primary condition causing ED for full combined evaluation.
SMC-K — Additional $139.87/month
Erectile dysfunction qualifies for Special Monthly Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(k) — SMC-K — which adds approximately $139.87/month to any combined rating. File VA Form 21-0781 or specifically request SMC-K evaluation. This is separate from the 10% rating.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Medical diagnosis of erectile dysfunction from a treating physician
-Documentation linking ED to service-connected condition or its treatment (medications)
-Medication list showing drugs known to cause ED (SSRIs, gabapentin, opioids, blood pressure meds, muscle relaxants)
-Nexus letter stating ED is at least as likely as not secondary to service-connected condition or its treatment
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.ED is almost always a secondary condition — link it to PTSD medication, pain medication, diabetes, hypertension, or TBI.
2.The key is the medication nexus: if your service-connected condition requires medication that causes ED, that is your claim.
3.You do NOT need to demonstrate physical deformity to receive SMC-K. Loss of erectile power alone qualifies.
4.This is one of the most under-claimed conditions. Many veterans are eligible but do not know about SMC-K.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.115b, DC 7522; 38 U.S.C. § 1114(k)
Erectile dysfunction with or without penile deformity rates at a single flat 10% under DC 7522. All eligible veterans should also file for SMC-K (+$139.87/mo) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(k), which is in addition to the 10% rating and all other combined ratings.
DOLLAR IMPACT
SMC-K pays $139.87/mo ($1,678/yr) on top of all other compensation. It is additive — not combined. If you receive $2,000/mo in regular compensation, SMC-K adds $139.87 on top for a total of $2,139.87/mo. Over 10 years: $16,784 in additional compensation.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026