Erectile Dysfunction
Diagnostic Code 7522 • 38 CFR § 4.115b
Most veterans are rated 0% under DC 7522 but qualify for SMC-K when there is loss of use of the creative organ. A 20% rating requires penile deformity with loss of erectile power.
Diagnostic Code
7522
ED Ratings & 2026 Pay (veteran alone)
Penis deformity with loss of erectile power (e.g., Peyronie’s)
$356.66/mo
ED without deformity — schedular 0% but may qualify for SMC-K
+SMC-K
SMC-K (loss of creative organ)
Often added when ED is service connected—approximately $139.87/mo in 2026 for qualifying SMC-K (rate varies slightly by year; see SMC-K overview).
Complete regulatory criteria, CFR citations, and official rating notes
Three Compensation Scenarios
0% ED + SMC-K (diabetes secondary)
Service-connected ED secondary to diabetes—schedular 0% under 7522 plus SMC-K monthly addition.
SMC-K (approx.)
+$139.87/mo
Plus diabetes pay
e.g. 20% = $356.66
20% Peyronie’s / deformity + 50% PTSD
Approx. combined
60%
Monthly total
$1,435.02/mo
ED stack with diabetes & neuropathy
Combined rating often reaches 60–80% before SMC—use the calculator; SMC-K adds on top of the monthly payment when awarded.
Evidence Requirements
Urology diagnosis & exam
Document ED severity, deformity (curvature), and response to treatment.
Medication list
SSRIs, blood pressure meds, hormones—many cause or worsen ED.
Nexus letter
Link ED to SC diabetes, PTSD, hypertension, prostate treatment, or spine/radiculopathy when applicable.
DBQ / private records
Imaging for Peyronie’s, injection therapy notes, surgical history.
Lay statement
Credible personal statement on onset, progression, and relationship stressors.
Secondary Conditions
🧠 Depression
STRONGDC 9434 • ED drives distress and relationship strain
😰 Anxiety
STRONGDC 9400 • Performance anxiety loop
💔 Relationship stress
MODERATEDC MH analog • Can exacerbate PTSD/MDD
😴 Sleep disturbance
MODERATEDC 6847/9434 • Stress and meds disrupt sleep
Common primaries for secondary ED: diabetes, PTSD, hypertension, prostate cancer treatment, spine/radiculopathy.
Claim Timeline
Urology visit
Document ED + any deformity on exam
Nexus
Tie to SC condition or medication
File claim
7522 + request SMC-K consideration
C&P
Clarify deformity vs functional loss
Secondaries
Depression/anxiety if applicable
What Gets You Higher Ratings
0% → 20%
Prove penile deformity with loss of erectile power—Peyronie’s disease documentation, curvature on exam, imaging if used clinically.
Maximize SMC-K
If you qualify, SMC-K stacks with your regular monthly payment—ensure the decision addresses SMC expressly.
Claim the primary + MH secondaries
Diabetes + neuropathy + depression often yield more combined % than ED schedular alone.
Common Mistakes
No nexus
ED claims often fail without link to SC disease or qualifying medication.
Expecting high schedular %
7522 tops at 20%—SMC-K and MH claims do heavy lifting.
Skipping deformity evidence
20% requires deformity + loss of erectile power—not ED alone.
Not requesting SMC-K
If loss of creative organ is shown, SMC may be warranted.
FAQs
▸ Is ED always 0%?
Usually 0% without deformity; 20% when deformity and loss of erectile power are documented under DC 7522.
▸ What is SMC-K?
Additional monthly compensation for anatomical loss or loss of use of a creative organ—often granted with service-connected ED when criteria are met.
▸ Can SSRIs be the nexus?
Sometimes—if the medication treats a service-connected mental health condition and a clinician links ED to the medication or the underlying MH condition.
DC Reference & Tools
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This page provides general educational information only based on public VA regulations (38 CFR) and va.gov resources. It is not legal, medical, or claims assistance. Ratings and service connections are decided case-by-case by the VA based on the individual veteran’s evidence. We do not prepare claims, generate documents, or provide personalized advice. Always consult a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO), attorney, or your physician for help with your specific situation. Verify the latest rules on va.gov.
Free during launch
Save this guide, track your claim, and unlock our tools
Create a free account to save condition guides, track filing progress, and use the Evidence Checklist Generator, Secondary Claims Mapper, and Rating Estimator.
No credit card. Educational information only — not legal or medical advice.