Epididymitis VA Ratings, Compensation & Benefits  

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Understanding how the VA rates epididymitis is crucial when applying for disability compensation. Although there is limited data from recent studies, one past study suggests that chronic or recurrent epididymitis is a common diagnosis in military medical clinics and hospitals.   

Epididymitis is one of several medical conditions that doesn’t have a specific VA rating code (DC); it is commonly evaluated under urinary tract infections.  

This post will explain how veterans can establish service connection, navigate the rating system, and secure the benefits they deserve for epididymitis. Continue reading to learn more about epididymitis VA ratings, compensation, and benefits.

Summary of Key Points

• Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis (i.e., the coiled tube attached to each testicle that stores sperm), causing testicular pain and swelling. 

• The VA disability rating for epididymitis typically falls under genitourinary (i.e., the genitals and urinary system) conditions. 

• Veterans must establish service connection (i.e., a link between their military service and an incident or event that caused or worsened epididymis) to receive VA disability compensation. 

• A secondary service connection may exist if another service-related medical condition causes or aggravates epididymitis. 

What is Epididymitis?

Epididymitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the epididymis (i.e., the narrow, tightly coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm). If you suffer from epididymitis, you are likely aware that it is a painful condition caused by infections, injuries, or service-related events such as testicular trauma.  

Causes and Symptoms

There are several common causes of the condition, including bacterial infections—such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—urinary tract infections, trauma, and long-term catheter use. 

Common symptoms of epididymitis include: 

Traumatic Epididymitis

Testicular injuries can cause inflammation and swelling of the epididymis, a condition called traumatic epididymitis.  

Note: If you have sudden, severe scrotum pain, seek emergency treatment right away. Epididymitis is treatable with prompt medical intervention but putting off care could lead to severe complications. 

Acute vs. Chronic

When epididymitis lasts more than six weeks or occurs frequently, it is considered chronic. Because acute or sudden onset, short-term epididymitis is usually treatable with antibiotics, the VA typically rates the chronic form of the condition.  

If acute epididymitis is left untreated or recurs, it may lead to chronic epididymitis, which often involves persistent inflammation and discomfort. 

Symptoms of chronic epididymitis may develop slowly, and its underlying cause may be unknown.   

Acute vs. Chronic Epididymitis Comparison Table 

The table below describes the causes, symptoms, and characteristics of acute vs. chronic epididymitis. 

	Onset	Symptoms	Causes
Acute Epididymitis	Sudden, lasting less than 6 weeks	A swollen, discolored, or warm scrotum Testicle pain and tenderness Painful urination  Urinary urgency or frequency Discharge from the penis Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area or lower abdomen or pelvic area Blood in the semen Fever (less common)	Bacterial infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis, or chlamydia, or trauma-induced Other infections (e.g., a prostate infection that spreads to the epididymis) Bacteria from a urinary tract infection (UTI) Viral infections (e.g., the mumps) Urinary conditions (e.g., conditions that cause urine to flow backward into the epididymis, causing chemical irritation) Heavy lifting or straining Trauma (e.g., an injury to the groin) Certain medications  Tuberculosis (rarely)
Chronic Epididymitis	Long-term, lasting more than 6 weeks or recurring	Persistent pain Scrotal swelling and tenderness, which may come and go.    .	Untreated or ineffectively treated acute epididymitis or persistent/recurrent infection causing inflammation and scarring of the epididymis; sometimes the underlying cause is unknown.

Epididymitis VA Ratings

There is no specific epididymitis diagnostic code (DC) in the VA. Instead, the condition is rated under analogous conditions, such as chronic epididymo-orchitis, via the VA’s schedule of rating table for urinary tract infections,  38 C.F.R. § 4.115b, DC 7525  

VA RATING	QUALIFYING CRITERIA
30%	Recurrent symptomatic infection requiring drainage by stent or nephrostomy tube or requiring greater than 2 hospitalizations per year, or requiring continuous intensive management
10%	Recurrent symptomatic infection requiring 1-2 hospitalizations per year or suppressive drug therapy lasting six months or longer
0%	Recurrent symptomatic infection not requiring hospitalization but requiring suppressive drug therapy for less than 6 months

Benefits and VA Compensation for Epididymitis

The monthly compensation for epididymitis depends on your VA rating. As of Dec. 1, 2024, if you were rated at 30% disability, you would receive >$530 per month, and a 10% rating is compensated at >$175 monthly and comes with additional benefits. A 0% VA rating means no monthly compensation, but the VA offers eligibility for other VA benefits related to the service-connected condition.

Service Connection

To qualify for VA disability compensation for epididymitis, you must establish a direct service connection by providing: 

• A current diagnosis of chronic epididymitis 

• Personal statements and lay evidence with a detailed description of your initial and recurring symptoms, when your epididymitis began, and how it impacted your life.. 

• Evidence of an in-service event, injury, or exposure leading to the condition 

• A medical nexus—such as a Nexus Letter—linking your epididymitis to an in-service event or trauma  

Secondary Service Connection for Epididymitis

A secondary service connection can grant you disability for your epididymitis if you can show that another service-connected condition caused or worsened your epididymitis symptoms. 

Medical evidence, such as a Nexus Letter, explaining that your epididymitis was “at least as likely as not” caused or aggravated by your primary service-connected disorder,” may increase the likelihood of a rating approval for disability benefits. 

When epididymitis is caused or aggravated by other conditions, it could qualify as a secondary condition linked to a primary service-connected disability, such as: 

• Mumps that result in testicular atrophy- under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7523 

• Tuberculosis that impacts the genitourinary (genitals and urinary system) – under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7525 

• Prostate conditions (e.g., prostatitis) – under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7527 

• Chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) – under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7525 

• Diabetes (may worsen chronic epididymitis) – under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7913  

• Other diseases (e.g., those that impact urinary function)   

Filing a Claim 

Steps for filing a VA disability claim for epididymitis include:  

#1. Gather your documents – including a current “chronic epididymitis” diagnosis, and all other applicable medical diagnoses, medical records, diagnostic tests, and evidence of service connection—such as a Nexus Letter linking your chronic epididymitis to an in-service trauma or event.  

#2. Complete the VA Form 21-526EZ – provide a detailed description of how your symptoms affect your daily life and whether you are receiving or have needed treatment.    

#3. Submit your claim – submit the completed claim form and supporting documents online at VA.gov website, in person at the VA regional office handling your claim, or with the assistance of a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). 

Wrapping Up

If you have chronic epididymitis, you may qualify for disability benefits if you establish a direct or secondary connection to your military service. While epididymitis does not have its own VA rating code, the condition is most often rated under urinary infections. Understanding the VA rating criteria and providing strong medical evidence can strengthen your case for disability compensation you deserve.   

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest VA rating for epididymitis?

The highest VA rating for epididymitis is 30% under urinary tract infection criteria. The maximum rating depends on several factors, such as the type of treatment required, whether you are hospitalized, and whether continuous intensive management is required.   

Could epididymitis qualify for special monthly compensation (SMC)?

Yes, it is possible to receive SMC-K benefits if complications from severe, chronic epididymitis led to the loss of use of a creative organ, such as in rare cases when the condition causes reproductive sterility. 

Can I get additional disability compensation for an epididymal cyst rating when my chronic epididymitis causes or contributes to an epididymal cyst?

Yes. You may be entitled to benefits if epididymal cysts occur secondary to service-connected chronic epididymitis and cause significant impairment. Epididymal cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the epididymis. Cysts usually don’t cause any symptoms, but larger cysts may cause significant pain, discomfort, or loss of function.

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