Testicular Cancer VA Ratings: How to Qualify, File, and Secure Your Benefits 

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Testicular cancer affects thousands of veterans, with toxic exposures like PFAS and burn pits increasing risks for those who served.  

Navigating the VA disability claims process can be daunting, but securing a testicular cancer VA rating can provide vital support.  

This post breaks down the process, from proving service connection to understanding ratings and leveraging the PACT Act.

Summary of Key Points

• VA Rating for Testicular Cancer: Testicular cancer is rated at 100% during active treatment, with reevaluation six months post-treatment for residuals like urinary or kidney issues, rated from 0% to 100%. 

• Service Connection: Prove service connection with a current diagnosis, in-service event, and medical nexus, or qualify for presumptive status under the PACT Act for toxic exposure in specific regions. 

• Filing a VA Claim: Submit VA Form 21-526EZ with medical records and evidence like a Nexus Letter (if needed), ensuring a streamlined process for compensation. 

What is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer forms when a group of normal cells in the testicles starts to grow abnormally. Because there are various types of cells in the testicles, there are different types of testicular cancer. 

Germ cell tumors are the most common, but there are also carcinoma in situ and stromal tumors. While these tumors all fall under the general category of testicular cancer, they have different treatments and prognoses. 

The exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown. However, service members’ work conditions and exposure to toxic chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are risk factors. 

Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:  

• A lump or swelling in either testicle 

• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum 

• A dull ache in the lower belly or groin 

• Sudden swelling in the scrotum 

• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum 

• Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue 

• Back pain 

Note: Testicular cancer usually only occurs in one testicle. 

Testicular Cancer VA Disability Ratings

The VA rates testicular cancer and all cancers at 100% when the condition is active and being treated. Six months after treatment is completed, VA requires a reevaluation to determine a rating for cancer in remission. 

Testicular cancer falls under the VA Schedule of Ratings Diagnostic Code 7528, malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary system (tumors of the reproductive system). 

C&P Exam for Testicular Cancer

During active treatment, you’ll be rated at 100%, but when treatment is complete, you’ll be reevaluated.  

The VA’s compensation and pension (C&P) exam usually occurs about six months after your testicular cancer treatment has ended. 

If the cancer has returned or spread, you’ll remain at 100% until a future evaluation shows you’re in remission.  

If the treatment worked and your exam shows that you’re in remission, the VA will evaluate your rating based on residuals of the cancer. These residual conditions may include urinary and kidney complications, erectile dysfunction, or infertility. 

Testicular Cancer Residual Conditions and Ratings

Here are some common residuals to testicular cancer and their ratings, which are rated by the VA under § 4.115b Ratings of the genitourinary system: 

Voiding dysfunction refers to multiple urinary issues, including:  

• Leakage and incontinence, which is rated at 20%, 40%, or 60%, depending on how often absorbent materials, such as an adult diaper or pad, need to be changed daily; 

• Urinary frequency, which is rated at 10%, 20%, or 40%, depending on the frequency of urination during the day and evening, and  

• Obstructed voiding, which is rated at 0%, 10%, or 30%, depending on various symptoms and interventions.  

Renal dysfunction, or kidney disease, is rated at 0%, 30%, 60%, 80%, or 100%, depending on level, frequency, and duration of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and infertility: ED is rated at 0%, and infertility isn’t assigned a specific rating, but they do qualify you for Special Monthly Compensation for “loss of use of a creative organ.” 

Residual Condition	VA Rating Range	Criteria
Voiding Dysfunction	20%–60%	Frequency of absorbent material changes
Urinary Frequency	10%–40%	Daytime/nighttime urination frequency
Renal Dysfunction	0%–100%	Based on GFR levels and symptoms
Erectile Dysfunction	0% (SMC eligible)	Loss of use of a creative organ

Residuals like urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction can disrupt daily routines, relationships, and mental health. The VA ratings for these conditions, along with Special Monthly Compensation for erectile dysfunction, aim to provide financial and medical support to help veterans manage these challenges. 

Read More: Increase Your VA Disability Rating for Cancer in Remission 

How to Prove Service Connection

If you’re a veteran diagnosed with testicular cancer, you should know how to prove that your current diagnosis is service-connected and how to file a VA claim.  

For primary service connection, you must meet the following requirements: 

1. A current medical diagnosis 

2. An in-service event, injury, illness, or aggravation 

3. A medical nexus (or link) between the current diagnosis and the in-service event, injury, or illness (can be a Nexus Letter) 

Testicular Cancer as a Presumptive Condition

If you meet certain service criteria, you don’t need to prove that your diagnosis is linked to your service. The PACT Act added several cancers that the VA accepts as being linked to toxic exposures during military service.  

If you served in any of these locations and time periods, the VA assumes that you had exposure to burn pits or other toxins (presumption of exposure). 

On or after Sept. 11, 2001, in any of these locations: 

• Afghanistan 

• Djibouti 

• Egypt 

• Jordan 

• Lebanon 

• Syria 

• Uzbekistan 

• Yemen 

• The airspace above any of these locations 

On or after Aug. 2, 1990, in any of these locations: 

• Bahrain 

• Iraq 

• Kuwait 

• Oman 

• Qatar 

• Saudi Arabia 

• Somalia 

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) 

• The airspace above any of these locations 

Related: VA Disability for Cancer: Understanding Ratings, Benefits, and Presumptive Conditions 

Steps to Filing a VA Claim

To file a VA claim for a testicular cancer VA rating: 

• Collect medical records showing current diagnosis, test results, service records, and other evidence, such as Medical Nexus Letter or Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) linking your testicular cancer to your military service (you won’t need a nexus if you meet the criteria for a presumptive condition). 

• Fill out the VA Form 21-526EZ to apply for disability compensation. Include details about your exposure, symptoms, and how it affects your daily life. 

• Submit your claim, which includes the completed form and supporting documents, to the VA regional office handling your claim. You can submit it online through the VA website, by mail, or in person. 

• The VA will review your claim, considering the evidence provided, and will notify you of their decision for your testicular cancer VA disability rating. Along with your rating, you’ll receive information about VA benefits and compensation. 

Additional VA Support for Veterans with Testicular Cancer

Beyond disability ratings, the VA offers comprehensive healthcare, including cancer screenings and mental health support. Veterans can connect with a VSO, such as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), for free assistance with claims. Visit va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 for more information. 

Conclusion

Securing a VA rating for testicular cancer can provide critical financial and medical support for veterans. By understanding the VA’s rating system, gathering evidence, and leveraging presumptive conditions under the PACT Act, you can navigate the claims process with confidence.  

Start your claim today to access the benefits you’ve earned through your service. 

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