Looking for Expert-Level VA Claim Answers?📱Call Us Now! 737-295-2226
Prostate cancer often leads to secondary conditions that can impact your daily life and your VA disability rating.
Common issues like ED, urinary incontinence, depression, frequent urination, renal and bowel dysfunction, and chronic pelvic or lower back pain may be connected to your prostate cancer, and you may be entitled to additional compensation.
This post covers the top secondary conditions to prostate cancer, how the VA rates them, and what you need to file a strong claim.
Summary of Key Points
- The VA rating for prostate cancer is 100% during active treatment and for six months afterward, then reassessed based on any remaining residuals.
- VA secondary conditions to prostate cancer may increase your overall rating and disability compensation.
- Prostate cancer is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, so you only need a current diagnosis and service in a VA-recognized location and timeframe to qualify for benefits.
Table of Contents
Why VA Secondary Conditions Matter
Secondary conditions can make a significant impact on your overall VA disability rating. If a service-connected condition causes or aggravates another condition, you may be entitled to more VA monthly compensation and benefits.
Many people don’t realize how much these additional ratings can add up using VA math.
When you recognize and claim your secondary conditions, you’re not just listing more symptoms. You’re showing the complete picture of how your disabilities affect your daily life.
How the VA Rates Secondary Conditions to Prostate Cancer
The VA assigns a temporary 100% disability rating for cancer for at least six months, beginning with your initial diagnosis if the condition requires systemic-level treatment.
After treatment ends, the VA conducts follow-up compensation & pension (C&P) exams to evaluate recurrence or residuals and then adjusts your rating based on lasting symptoms or complications.
These residual symptoms and secondary conditions are then rated under their applicable diagnostic codes (DC). Each condition receives its own separate disability rating, which contributes to your overall combined VA rating.
>> View Our Full Guide on VA Disability for Cancer
Top 7 VA Secondary Conditions to Prostate Cancer
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common complications after prostate cancer treatment.
Surgery or radiation can damage nerves responsible for erections, and hormone therapy can lower testosterone levels.
While the VA typically assigns a 0% rating for ED under DC 7522, you may still qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) loss of use of a creative organ.
Learn More: ED VA Ratings Explained!
Depression
A prostate cancer diagnosis, combined with physical changes and treatment side effects, can lead to depression.
Many people face anxiety about recurrence, changes in sexual function, urinary symptoms, and challenges with identity or relationships.
The VA rates depression secondary to prostate cancer under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, with potential ratings ranging from 0% to 100%, depending on the severity of the symptoms and their impact on your social and occupational impairment.
Learn More: VA Mental Health Rating Chart Explained
Urinary Incontinence
Prostate surgery and radiation often weaken bladder control, leading to stress incontinence, leakage, or a frequent need to change absorbent pads.
The VA rates urinary incontinence under voiding dysfunction using DC 7517 and related bladder conditions in 38 CFR § 4.115a.
VA ratings for urinary incontinence secondary to prostate cancer range from 20% to 60%, depending on how often absorbent materials must be changed or appliances used.
Learn More: Urinary Incontinence VA Rating Guide
Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is one of the most common residual symptoms after prostate cancer treatment.
Procedures such as prostatectomy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy can weaken the bladder, irritate the urinary tract, or affect the muscles that control urination.
As a result, you may experience urgency, frequent nighttime urination (nocturia), or difficulty fully emptying your bladder.
The VA rates frequent urination secondary to prostate cancer under 38 CFR §4.115a, with potential ratings of 10%, 20%, or 40% depending on daytime voiding intervals or the number of times you awaken at night to urinate.
Renal Dysfunction
Certain prostate cancer treatments can affect kidney function over time, leading to renal dysfunction.
Renal dysfunction refers to reduced kidney function, as measured by changes in lab values such as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinine, or by evidence of structural or functional kidney damage.
The VA rates renal dysfunction secondary to prostate cancer under the genitourinary system at 0%–100%, based on your GFR results.
Chronic Pelvic or Lower Back Pain
Chronic pelvic or lower back pain is a common secondary condition for men who have undergone prostate cancer treatment.
Surgery, radiation therapy, or cancer-related nerve involvement can irritate surrounding tissues, muscles, or nerves, leading to ongoing pain long after treatment ends.
Chronic pelvic pain is typically rated at 10%–40% under musculoskeletal or neurological diagnostic codes, whereas lower back pain is rated at 10%–60% under 38 CFR §4.71a, based on motion limitations, spasms, or nerve involvement.
Learn More: Low Back Pain VA Rating
Bowel Dysfunction
Bowel dysfunction can be a residual effect of prostate cancer, especially if you have received radiation therapy.
Radiation can irritate or damage the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, urgency, fecal leakage, abdominal cramping, or rectal discomfort.
The VA rates bowel dysfunction secondary to prostate cancer depending on your specific symptoms.
For example, chronic diarrhea is frequently rated under DC 7319, irritable bowel syndrome, with potential ratings of 10%, 20% or 30%.
Agent Orange and Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, meaning you don’t need to prove it was caused by your service to qualify for VA disability compensation and health care.
To qualify for presumptive VA disability benefits for prostate cancer related to Agent Orange exposure, you must meet the following criteria:
- You have a current diagnosis of prostate cancer, and
- You served in an eligible location during a qualifying time period where Agent Orange exposure occurred, as outlined by VA guidelines.
>> View Our Complete Guide on Agent Orange
How to Prove Secondary Service Connection
To prove service connection for secondary conditions to prostate cancer, you’ll need:
- A current diagnosis: Medical documentation of your secondary condition from a qualified licensed provider.
- A medical nexus: Evidence showing that your secondary condition was caused or aggravated by your service-connected prostate cancer.
PRO TIP: A nexus letter is one of the strongest pieces of evidence you can submit for a secondary service connection claim.
Need a Nexus Letter for Your Secondary VA Claim?
Looking for a high-quality Nexus Letter?
Veterans who become members of the VA Claims Insider Elite program can get access to our preferred provider network who can potentially write VA Nexus Letters at reduced rates.
Why pay $1,500 to $2,000 for a Nexus Letter when you can get one for 60-70% off?
Click HERE to book a date and time to speak with a VA claim expert (no high-pressure sales tactics) or call us right now at: 737-295-2226.
How to File a VA Claim for Secondary Conditions
The quickest way to file a VA claim for secondary conditions to prostate cancer is generally online.
However, you can also download and complete VA Form 21-526EZ and submit it in one of the following ways:
Conclusion
Understanding and claiming VA secondary conditions to prostate cancer can make a major difference in your overall disability compensation. Even after successful treatment, many veterans experience lasting effects—both physical and emotional—that deserve recognition and support. By identifying all related conditions, gathering solid medical evidence, and securing a strong nexus letter, you can present a complete picture of how prostate cancer continues to impact your health and daily life.
Want Expert-Level Support for Your VA Disability Claim? WE GOT YOUR SIX!
About VA Claims Insider
VA Claims Insider is the #1 most-trusted name in VA disability claims.
Work directly with a VA claims coach who can educate you through the claims process.
25,000+ disabled veterans have served in our membership programs since 2016.
30% average rating increase for veterans who complete our #1-rated Elite program.
4.7/5.0 average rating out of 5,500+ total reviews; over 4,500 5-star reviews.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
What are the VA secondary conditions to prostate cancer?
Secondary conditions to prostate cancer include erectile dysfunction, depression, urinary incontinence, frequent urination, renal dysfunction, chronic pelvic or lower back pain, and bowel dysfunction.
Do I need a nexus letter for VA secondary conditions to prostate cancer?
It’s highly recommended. A credible nexus letter makes it clear that your secondary condition is linked to your service-connected prostate cancer, and this is often what tips the scale toward approval.
What are the VA residuals for prostate cancer?
VA residuals for prostate cancer are the long-term symptoms and complications that remain after treatment, such as urinary issues, sexual dysfunction, bowel problems, or secondary conditions. The VA rates these residuals based on how severe they are, even after your cancer is no longer active.
What is the enlarged prostate VA rating?
The enlarged prostate VA rating falls under DC 7527 and is based on your specific urinary symptoms. Most ratings range from 0% to 60%, depending on issues like urine leakage, frequency, or obstruction.
Can prostate cancer be service-connected?
Yes, prostate cancer can be service-connected. It’s often granted on a presumptive basis for veterans exposed to Agent Orange or other qualifying toxic exposures during military service.
Does the VA automatically give you a rating after prostate cancer treatment?
No. Once your temporary 100% rating ends, the VA reevaluates you through a C&P exam to determine your new rating based on any remaining symptoms or secondary conditions.
About the Author
Kelly Olone
Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse.
Content Reviewed By: Quality Assurance Team
The Quality Assurance (QA) team at VA Claims Insider has extensive experience researching, fact-checking, and ensuring accuracy in all produced content. The QA team consists of individuals with specialized knowledge in the VA disability claims adjudication processes, laws and regulations, and they understand the needs of our target audience. Any changes or suggestions the QA team makes are thoroughly reviewed and incorporated into the content by our writers and creators.
