Erectile Dysfunction Secondary to PTSD
Erectile dysfunction can develop as a secondary condition to service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder through several different pathways. Most commonly, erectile dysfunction, or ED, results from symptoms of PTSD, like chronic anxiety and emotional detachment. However, certain medications used to treat trauma conditions can also contribute to ED-inducing side effects.
PTSD is a prevalent health condition among veterans here in the United States. Data shows that 7 out of every 100 veterans, or 7%, will have PTSD. Additionally, some research indicates that 85% of male combat veterans with PTSD reported experiencing ED. As a result, these individuals need to understand VA disability benefits and how they apply to these two conditions.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction and PTSD
There is a clear-cut medical and psychological relationship between PTSD and ED.
How PTSD Contributes to Erectile Dysfunction
- PTSD disrupts the bodily system responsible for producing and regulating stress hormones, including cortisol. Chronic dysregulation of this system can impair sexual arousal and erectile function.
- PTSD can increase sympathetic nervous system activity, promoting a “fight-or-flight” state, which physiologically opposes the parasympathetic activity needed for an erection.
- PTSD is associated with high rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional numbing, all of which are linked to sexual dysfunction.
- Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or hypervigilance can impair focus, arousal, and the ability to stay present during sexual activity, disrupting the arousal-to-orgasm cycle.
Research and Studies on PTSD and ED in Veterans
- Data from the Veterans Health Administration indicate that men diagnosed with PTSD are over twice as likely to report ED.
- A 2015 study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that male veterans with PTSD had significantly higher rates of sexual dysfunction, including ED, than those without PTSD.
If you or a loved one is experiencing ED as a result of PTSD symptoms, our compassionate team is here to come alongside you in the process of seeking secondary condition benefits.
VA Disability Ratings for Erectile Dysfunction
The VA uses a specific rating criterion for erectile dysfunction. This can be confusing since it often results in a 0% rating, despite still qualifying for benefits.
Diagnostic Code 7522 and ED Ratings
ED is evaluated under Diagnostic Code 7522, “Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity,” in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities, 38 CFR §4.115b. Under recent changes, Diagnostic Code 7522 now provides only a 0% rating in most cases. The VA has concluded that ED by itself does not generally reduce earning capacity, which is one of the key criteria for compensable ratings.
To get any VA disability rating, a veteran must provide proof of the following:
- A current diagnosis
- An underlying in‑service event or disease
- A medical nexus linking the two
If your ED was caused or exacerbated by service-connected PTSD or another condition, or its treatment, you must present evidence linking the two conditions.
When Other Diagnostic Codes May Apply
If there is more severe physical damage, such as removal of part of the penis, removal of testicles, or other anatomical deformity, other diagnostic codes, like 7520, 7521, 7523, 7524, offer higher ratings, depending on severity. However, these are separate listings from Diagnostic Code 7522.
Special Monthly Compensation, or SMC-K, for ED
What is SMC-K?
Special Monthly Compensation, also known as SMC-K, is an additional tax-free benefit paid to veterans who have suffered loss or loss of use of a creative organ, such as due to erectile dysfunction, testicle removal, or severe infertility caused by service-connected conditions. It is not a standalone disability rating, but an add-on payment to a veteran’s existing VA disability compensation.
Current Rates and How They Are Paid
As of 2025, the monthly amount for SMC-K is $136.06. This amount is fixed per qualifying condition and is added on top of any regular disability compensation you already receive. For example, a veteran with a 70% PTSD rating and service-connected ED may still receive additional compensation from SMC-K, even if ED is rated 0%.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Special Monthly Compensation, you must establish the following:
- A diagnosis of a service-connected condition that causes the loss
- Medical evidence of the loss or loss of use of a creative organ
- Proper documentation or diagnosis in your VA medical records or C&P exam
Filing a VA Disability Claim for ED Secondary to PTSD
There is a step-by-step process for filing a VA disability claim. Understanding each part of this process can better prepare you for what to expect and help minimize any confusion.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing
- Step 1: Identify the Primary Service-Connected Condition
- Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence
- VA medical records showing both conditions
- Private doctor records or treatment history
- A nexus letter from a medical provider that explains how your primary condition caused or worsened the secondary one
- Step 3: Fill Out VA Form 21-526EZ
- File online, by mail, or in person.
- When asked what condition you’re claiming, write: Erectile Dysfunction, secondary to PTSD.
- Step 4: Submit the Claim
- Step 5: Attend C&P Exam. If the VA requires additional evidence, they will schedule a Compensation & Pension examination.
Importance of a Nexus Letter
Even with a diagnosis, the VA still needs medical justification for how one condition led to the other. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional establishes a connection between the secondary condition and your service-connected condition.
A nexus letter can significantly strengthen your claim because it provides the VA with an opinion from a licensed health care professional. Many claims are denied due to a lack of nexus, not because the condition is not real, but because, without this medical link, the VA often concludes the condition is not service-connected.
Preparing for the Compensation & Pension Exam
A Compensation & Pension, or C&P, exam is a medical evaluation ordered by the VA to accomplish the following:
- Confirm your diagnosis
- Assess the severity of your symptoms
- Determine if there is a connection between your claimed condition and military service or a service-connected disability
A VA doctor or a third-party contractor carries out this exam. During it, you can expect them to review your service records, medical history, and prior claims, ask about your symptoms, and conduct a physical exam.
Strengthening Your VA Claim Through Secondary Conditions
Veterans with PTSD often face additional health challenges, such as erectile dysfunction, that may qualify as secondary conditions. Recognizing and addressing these conditions is crucial not only for overall health but also for ensuring fair and accurate VA disability ratings.
You can take proactive steps to address potential secondary conditions during the claims process. To learn more and receive additional support with your claim, please contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Client Reviews
ANN WILLIAMS SHELLY DONNETT'E Want to Increase Your VA Rating?
