Erectile Dysfunction
Diagnostic Code 7522 • 38 CFR § 4.115b
Current DC 7522 assigns 0% for erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity. The schedule footnote says to review 38 CFR § 3.350 for special monthly compensation. A 20% evaluation is not a DC 7522 rating.
Diagnostic Code
7522
ED Ratings & 2026 Pay (veteran alone)
Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity (DC 7522)
0% schedular
SMC-K (loss of creative organ)
SMC-K under 38 CFR § 3.350(a) is a separate payment for anatomical loss or loss of use of a creative organ, among other listed losses. The 2026 add-on is $139.87/mo. Whether it applies is a facts question. 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
Use the current table for that rating
0% ED does not raise a 50% PTSD rating
Combined under § 4.25
50%
Veteran alone
$1,132.90/mo
A 0% rating does not change the combined percentage. SMC-K, if awarded, is a separate payment.
ED stack with diabetes & neuropathy
Under Table I in 38 CFR § 4.25, 40% combined with 20% is 52, which converts to 50%. A 0% ED rating does not increase that combined rating. SMC-K, if awarded, is paid separately.
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
Commonly discussedDC 9434 • ED drives distress and relationship strain
😰 Anxiety
Commonly discussedDC 9400 • Performance anxiety loop
💔 Relationship stress
Sometimes discussedDC MH analog • Can exacerbate PTSD/MDD
😴 Sleep disturbance
Sometimes discussedDC 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
Deformity stays on DC 7522
The schedule note says a disease or traumatic injury of the penis resulting in scarring or deformity is rated under DC 7522. That code is 0% with or without penile deformity. DC 7520 (removal of half or more, 30%) and DC 7521 (removal of the glans, 20%) are different codes.
What SMC-K is
38 CFR § 3.350(a) describes SMC-K for anatomical loss or loss of use of a creative organ, and for other listed losses. It is paid in addition to the schedular rate when awarded. Ask an accredited representative how it applies to you. 38 CFR § 3.155(d)(2) says VA adjudicates ancillary benefits, including SMC, that arise from a complete claim. The claimant may, but need not, assert them.
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 a compensable schedular rating
Current DC 7522 is 0% with or without penile deformity. SMC-K is a separate payment.
Treating deformity as a 20% DC 7522 rating
Scarring or deformity of the penis is rated under DC 7522. Removal codes 7520 and 7521 are different.
Not requesting SMC-K
If loss of creative organ is shown, SMC may be warranted.
FAQs
▸ Is ED always 0%?
Under the current schedule, DC 7522 is 0% for erectile dysfunction with or without penile deformity. Confirm the text on eCFR before relying on an older decision that used a different version of the code.
▸ 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 based on public VA regulations and VA.gov resources. It is not legal or medical advice, and My Claim Packet is not a VA-accredited representative. Any worksheets or draft documents produced by the tools must be reviewed for accuracy and are not filed with VA for you. Ratings and service connection are decided case-by-case from the individual record. Consult a VA-accredited VSO, claims agent, attorney, or qualified clinician for help with your situation, and verify current rules using the linked official source.