If you’ve filed a VA claim for Erectile Dysfunction (ED), you can expect to be scheduled for a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam.
Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for the exam can significantly impact the outcome of your claim, helping you secure the VA disability rating and compensation you deserve.
Erectile Dysfunction can be caused by various factors, including physical injuries, psychological conditions like PTSD, or side effects from medications related to your service.
ED is a very common issue among veterans and is often linked to other service-connected conditions secondary.
In fact, ED is the #25 most common VA disability claim for benefits.
Pro Tip: ED is assigned a 0% service-connected rating under Special Monthly Compensation Category K, known as SMC-K, rather than a percentage-based rating under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD). The VA evaluates ED based on the severity of your condition and its impact on your quality of life. To ensure you receive an accurate rating, it’s crucial that your symptoms and their effects on your daily life are thoroughly documented during your C&P exam.
Summary of Key Points
- If you’ve filed a VA claim for Erectile Dysfunction (ED), you’ll likely be scheduled for an in-person C&P exam. A physical exam may be required, so inform the examiner if you’re uncomfortable at any point.
- ED can result from various factors, including physical injuries, PTSD, or medication side effects. Be prepared to discuss these in detail.
- ED is a very common issue among veterans, ranking as the #25 most common VA disability claim.
- ED is rated under Special Monthly Compensation category K (SMC-K), with an additional $132.74 per month in 2024 for those eligible, added on-top of your regular VA disability compensation pay.
Purpose of a C&P Exam for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
A C&P exam for ED focuses on three main areas:
- #1. Medical Diagnosis Confirmation: The examiner will confirm whether you have been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. This involves reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and any relevant diagnostic tests. The goal is to establish the presence and current status of ED.
- #2. Nexus for Service Connection: The examiner will assess whether your ED is connected to your military service. This includes evaluating if the condition was caused or aggravated by your active-duty service or by a service-connected condition, such as PTSD or diabetes.
- #3. Severity of Symptoms Assessment: The examiner will evaluate the severity and impact of your ED symptoms on your quality of life. This includes considering how often you experience symptoms, the necessity for treatment, and the effect on your relationships and overall well-being. The examiner may also review any psychological factors contributing to your ED.
What to Expect During a C&P Exam for ED
- Medical History Review: The examiner will start by reviewing your medical history, including any prior diagnoses, treatments, and medications related to ED. Be prepared to discuss your sexual health history and any relevant military experiences that may have contributed to your condition.
- Symptom Discussion: You’ll be asked detailed questions about your symptoms, including the frequency and severity of your ED. The examiner may inquire about your ability to achieve and maintain an erection, how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms, and how ED impacts your quality of life.
- Physical Examination: The physical exam for ED may involve a general physical assessment, particularly of the genitourinary system. This examination helps rule out any physical abnormalities contributing to your ED. Not all ED C&P exams will require a physical exam—it really just depends. If you don’t feel comfortable, make sure to tell the C&P examiner right away.
- Psychological Evaluation: Since ED can be linked to mental health conditions like PTSD or depression, the examiner might assess your psychological well-being. This could include discussing any mental health diagnoses, treatments, medications and side effects, or symptoms related to your ED.
- Review of Documentation: Bring any relevant documentation to the exam, such as medical records, treatment history, and statements from your healthcare providers. This evidence will support your claim and provide a comprehensive view of your condition.
- Completion of the Erectile Dysfunction DBQ Form: The examiner will document their findings on the VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for Male Reproductive Organs. This form is critical as it provides a detailed summary of your condition, which the VA uses to evaluate and determine your disability rating.
Questions You May Be Asked During a VA C&P Exam for ED
Here are some questions a veteran can expect to be asked during a VA C&P Exam for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) based on the Male Reproductive Organ Conditions DBQ:
Have you ever been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction?
- If yes, when was it diagnosed, and by whom?
Can you describe the history of your erectile dysfunction?
- When did it start, and how has it progressed over time?
Do you know the cause (etiology) of your erectile dysfunction?
- Do you think it’s related to your military service or another service connected disability, and if yes, how?
Are you currently taking any medications for erectile dysfunction?
- What medications are you taking, and how effective have they been? Have you noticed any side effects?
Have you undergone any treatments, surgeries, or procedures for erectile dysfunction?
- If so, what were they, and when were they performed?
Do you have any physical complications related to your erectile dysfunction?
- This could include penile deformity, loss of function, or other issues.
Are there any related conditions, such as urinary issues, that you are experiencing alongside erectile dysfunction?
- If yes, explain.
Does your erectile dysfunction impact your daily life and ability to work?
- If so, in what ways?
Have you noticed any physical changes in your penis, testes, or prostate that may be associated with your erectile dysfunction?
- These could include abnormalities or changes in size or function.
Have you experienced retrograde ejaculation?
- If yes, what is the known or suspected cause?
Do you have a history of infections or conditions affecting the male reproductive organs, such as prostatitis or urethritis?
- What treatments have you received for these conditions?
These questions aim to evaluate the severity, etiology, and impact of your erectile dysfunction on your daily life and work, providing the VA with essential information for your disability claim.
How to Prepare for an ED C&P Exam
- Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant medical records, including those related to your ED and any underlying conditions. Ensure these records are up to date and comprehensive.
- Prepare a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement describing how ED affects your life. Include details about the onset of symptoms, any treatments you’ve tried, and the impact on your relationships and overall well-being.
- Understand the Rating Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the VA’s rating criteria for ED under SMC-K. This will help you understand how your symptoms are evaluated and the potential rating you might receive.
- Be Honest and Thorough: During the exam, provide honest and detailed answers. The more information you provide, the better the examiner can assess the severity of your condition.
- Review Your Mental Health Conditions: If your ED is linked to a mental health condition like PTSD, be prepared to discuss how these issues are interconnected. Document any mental health treatments and their impact on your ED.
- Review the DBQ for Male Reproductive Organs: It’s important to understand the basic elements of the DBQ for ED and the types of questions you might get asked during the C&P exam.
How ED Can Negatively Impact Your Work, Life, and Social Functioning
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can have a profound impact on various aspects of a veteran’s life:
- Work Performance: ED often leads to stress, anxiety, and lowered self-esteem, which can detract from focus and productivity at work. The emotional toll may cause frequent absenteeism or reduced job performance.
- Personal Relationships: ED can strain relationships, creating emotional distance and leading to communication breakdowns between partners. This tension may also contribute to relationship dissatisfaction and conflicts.
- Social Interaction: Veterans with ED may withdraw from social activities due to feelings of embarrassment or fear of judgment. This social isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression.
- Mental Health: The psychological effects of ED, such as depression, anxiety, and low self-worth, can worsen over time, affecting overall mental health. The condition can lead to a vicious cycle where mental health issues further exacerbate ED, creating a challenging situation to overcome.
DBQ for Erectile Dysfunction [Download]
To prepare for your VA C&P exam for Erectile Dysfunction (ED), the Male Reproductive Organ Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) will be completed electronically by the examiner during your evaluation.
You can download a copy of the ED-specific DBQ to familiarize yourself with the questions and details that will be assessed during the exam.
This preparation can help ensure you’re fully informed about what will be evaluated.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
