EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. Not legal or medical advice. Not affiliated with the VA.
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Testicular Cancer VA Disability Rating
DC 7528 | 38 C.F.R. § 4.115b | M21-1, Part IV.ii.2.E
OVERVIEW
Testicular cancer is rated under DC 7528 (Malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary system) at 38 C.F.R. § 4.115b. 100% during active disease or treatment. After treatment, rate residuals. If one testis removed, DC 7524 (0% for one; 30% for both). Veterans should also claim Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of a creative organ — this is separate from and in addition to any percentage-based compensation.
RATING CRITERIA (3 LEVELS)
100% — Active disease or during treatment
100% during active cancer or any treatment phase. Six months after cessation, mandatory VA examination. If no recurrence, rate residuals or testicular loss.
30% — Both testes removed (DC 7524)
Both testes removed (orchiectomy). Review for SMC-K eligibility.
0% — One testis removed (DC 7524) + SMC-K
One testis removed: 0% schedular rating. However, if other testis is absent or nonfunctioning due to non-service causes, 30% applies. File for SMC-K ($139.87/mo) for loss of creative organ.
KEY EVIDENCE TO GATHER
-Pathology report confirming testicular cancer with type and stage
-Orchiectomy surgical records
-Chemotherapy records (BEP protocol)
-Surveillance CT or PET/CT records
-Serum tumor markers (AFP, beta-HCG, LDH)
-Records of erectile dysfunction, fertility impact, or hormonal deficiency post-treatment
SECONDARY CONDITIONS (3 MAPPED)
DC 7522
RPLND or chemotherapy causes erectile dysfunction — file separately with SMC-K.
DC 8520
BEP chemotherapy (cisplatin) causes peripheral neuropathy.
DC 7919
Bilateral orchiectomy or chemotherapy causes testosterone deficiency.
C&P EXAM TIPS (4)
1.File for SMC-K ($139.87/mo additional) for loss of one or both testes — automatic with any orchiectomy, does not count against combined rating percentage.
2.100% during active disease — file immediately upon diagnosis.
3.Erectile dysfunction after RPLND is separately ratable — file as secondary condition.
4.Testosterone replacement therapy from bilateral orchiectomy creates ongoing documentation of functional loss.
RELEVANT CASE LAW
38 C.F.R. § 4.115b, DC 7524 Note
In cases of removal of one testis due to service-incurred disease, with absence or nonfunctioning of other testis unrelated to service, 30% evaluation assigned for the service-connected testicular loss.
38 C.F.R. § 3.350(a) — SMC-K
SMC-K ($139.87/mo) payable for loss of use of a creative organ, including testicular loss from service-connected orchiectomy. Does not offset percentage-based compensation.
DOLLAR IMPACT
100% during treatment: $3,938.58/mo. SMC-K = $139.87/mo regardless of combined rating. Neuropathy + erectile dysfunction + hormonal deficiency adds to combined rating.
EDUCATIONAL TOOL ONLY. NOT LEGAL OR MEDICAL ADVICE.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
CLAIM RECON 2026