If you got erectile dysfunction while in the military or afterwards, you could get disability pay. You need to have proof of an injury, sickness, or event from your service. Plus, a current diagnosis is needed from a doctor.
You have to show the link between your military time and the erectile dysfunction. Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD offers help if your claim gets turned down. Proving service connection is key. You must show that the condition came from something in your service, backed up by medical and service records.
Key Takeaways:
- Erectile dysfunction can be eligible for VA disability benefits if it developed during or after military service.
- Proving service connection is crucial for obtaining VA disability benefits.
- Evidence from medical and military service records is necessary to establish service connection.
- Experienced attorneys can help veterans navigate the VA disability claims process.
- If your claim is denied, you have options such as submitting a Supplemental Claim, requesting a Higher-Level Review, or filing an appeal.
How to Prove Service Connection for Erectile Dysfunction
Showing service connection for erectile dysfunction means proving it came from something in your time in the military. You must have proof showing your service led to the erectile dysfunction. This proof can include medical records and service documents. They should show a link between your military time and your erectile dysfunction.
If a physical injury during service affected your genital area, make sure there’s medical proof of this link to erectile dysfunction. Likewise, if a traumatic event reduced your sexual function, get a doctor’s report. This will help show how the event connects to your erectile dysfunction.
If you already have a service-linked condition such as diabetes, linking it to your erectile dysfunction could be easier. You need to show how this existing condition has affected your erectile dysfunction.
For proving service connection with erectile dysfunction, it’s crucial to gather all helpful medical and service documents. These records are key to showing a clear connection between your military service and erectile dysfunction.
VA Disability Ratings for Erectile Dysfunction
The VA rates erectile dysfunction under various codes. These codes depend on the situation. For example, Code 7520 gets a 30% rating for major penis loss. Code 7521 gets a 20% rating for removing the glans. Codes for physical deformities and organ loss are also in place.
Even with a 0% rating for erectile dysfunction, there’s hope. Veterans might qualify for Special Monthly Compensation. This helps with financial support in their monthly VA check.
Can You Claim Erectile Dysfunction as a VA Disability
Yes, the VA sees erectile dysfunction as a disability it covers. It can really hurt a person’s life and relationships. The VA helps veterans with benefits if they have erectile dysfunction. But, to get these benefits:
- You must have a doctor say you have erectile dysfunction.
- You need to prove that something in the military caused this problem.
- Then, you have to show that the military issue links directly to your condition.
Veterans with this problem might get VA benefits. These benefits can help with money and medical care. The VA knows how serious this issue is. So, they offer ways to help veterans improve their lives. By asking for these benefits, you can get the tools to deal with erectile dysfunction. Your well-being could get much better.
Connections Between Military Service and Erectile Dysfunction
Many veterans face erectile dysfunction due to various reasons. Military sexual trauma is a big issue. It leaves individuals stressed and vulnerable, worsening their sexual health.
Veterans with PTSD often turn to substance abuse. This can make erectile dysfunction more likely. It’s important for them to get help to lower these risks.
Veterans dealing with diabetes or depression also face a higher risk. These issues can affect them physically and mentally. They need to manage these conditions well and seek medical care.
In summary, military experiences can affect sexual health. Trauma, substance abuse, and health conditions increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Veterans should get tailored healthcare to tackle these problems effectively.
How VA Rates Erectile Dysfunction
The VA rates erectile dysfunction using specific conditions. These are outlined in the 38 C.F.R. § 4.115b. They use Diagnostic Codes 7520-7524 for this. With these codes, they figure out how severe the problem is and how it affects the person.
For example, they look at if a person had part of their penis removed. They also consider if someone can’t get or keep an erection because of a physical issue. Atrophied or missing testicles are also part of what they check.
Each condition gets a different rating. This rating shows how much it affects someone’s life. The VA looks at all the medical proof to give a fair rating.
Understanding VA Ratings
VA ratings are given as percentages. They show how much erectile dysfunction affects a veteran. The percent determines the monthly payment from the VA. The higher the percent, the more a veteran gets paid.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
If a veteran gets a 0% rating for erectile dysfunction, they might still get help. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is for those with severe issues, like loss of use of a creative organ. So, veterans with erectile dysfunction might qualify for this extra support.
Having a VA rating for erectile dysfunction is key. It opens the door to benefits and help for veterans. If you think your condition is linked to your service, get all your medical papers. Then, consider talking to a specialized attorney for help with your VA claim.
What to Do If Your Claim for Erectile Dysfunction Is Denied
If your claim for erectile dysfunction is turned down, don’t give up. Many options are there to help you keep fighting for your rights. At Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD, we know how hard it is when your claim is denied. That’s why our experts are ready to assist you.
Submit a Supplemental Claim: After a denial, you may submit a Supplemental Claim. You need to present new and important evidence. We can guide you on what evidence to gather and make a strong case for your claim.
Request a Higher-Level Review: If you think the denial is a mistake, ask for a Higher-Level Review. A more senior official will look at your case. We can assist you in making sure all your evidence is properly reviewed.
File an Appeal with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals: If denied again, you can appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. A panel of judges will then make the final decision. Our team has a lot of experience in these appeals and can represent you well.
Having a skilled attorney on your side can really help. At VetLaw, we focus on helping veterans understand and work through the VA system. We provide guidance and support tailored to your needs, making sure your claim is handled properly.
Conclusion
Veterans can get support if they get erectile dysfunction during their military service. Proving this connection and getting benefits is hard, but not impossible. With the right help, veterans can win the benefits they are owed.
If your claim gets turned down, the next step is crucial. Working with a skilled attorney is your best move. They know the VA system inside and out and increase your appeal’s success rate.
Our law firm is here to help veterans seeking benefits for erectile dysfunction. We are committed to our veterans’ cause. Contact us for the help you need and the benefits you deserve.
Source Links
- https://vet.law/disability-claims/physical-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/
- https://cck-law.com/types-of-va-disabilities/erectile-dysfunction/
- https://veteransguide.org/va-disability/ratings/erectile-dysfunction/