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All rating criteria

How the VA Rates Erectile Dysfunction

The plain-English version of the 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7522 (with Special Monthly Compensation under 38 CFR 3.350(a)) criteria a VA rater evaluates Erectile Dysfunction against, with the 2026 monthly rate at each level. A reference to what the regulation describes — never a prediction of any rating.

Diagnostic code 7522

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7522 (with Special Monthly Compensation under 38 CFR 3.350(a)) for readability. Monthly amounts are the 2026 rate (effective December 1, 2025) for a veteran with no dependents if this were the only rated condition — dependents add more, and multiple conditions combine under the VA’s own math.

0%

$0/month (0% is still service-connected)

Loss of erectile power without deformity of the penis. The schedular rating is 0%, but the veteran is typically entitled to Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ, paid as a separate monthly amount on top of any other compensation.

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Loss of erectile power (cannot achieve/maintain erection)
  • No physical deformity of the penis
  • Often secondary to diabetes, PTSD/medications, or prostate conditions

20%

$356.66/month

Deformity of the penis WITH loss of erectile power. Both the physical deformity and the loss of erectile power must be present for the 20% schedular rating (in addition to SMC-K).

Examples from this level’s criteria

  • Penile deformity (e.g., Peyronie's-type curvature, tissue loss)
  • Combined with loss of erectile power
  • Documented on physical examination

The listed symptoms are examples that appear in each level’s criteria — not a checklist that earns a percentage. Raters apply the criteria as a whole.

The evidence that matters most

The schedular 20% requires BOTH deformity and loss of erectile power — even at 0% schedular, raise loss of use of a creative organ for SMC-K (a separate monthly payment)

C&P exam tips for Erectile Dysfunction

  • What wins this rating: ED is most valuable as a basis for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ — make sure SMC-K is claimed even though the schedular rating is usually 0%.
  • The 20% schedular rating requires BOTH a penile deformity AND loss of erectile power — document any deformity on exam.
  • Establish the cause/secondary connection (diabetes, hypertension medications, PTSD/psychiatric medications, prostate surgery) for service connection.

Common mistakes on Erectile Dysfunction claims

  • Not claiming SMC-K — the 0% schedular rating still carries a separate special monthly payment.
  • Expecting a high schedular percentage — without deformity the schedular rating is 0%.
  • Not establishing ED as secondary to a service-connected condition or its medications.

Frequently asked questions

What diagnostic code does the VA use for Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction is rated under 38 CFR Part 4, DC 7522 (with Special Monthly Compensation under 38 CFR 3.350(a)) — diagnostic code 7522.

What is the highest schedular VA rating for Erectile Dysfunction?

20% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Erectile Dysfunction. The criteria at that level describe: Deformity of the penis WITH loss of erectile power. Both the physical deformity and the loss of erectile power must be present for the 20% schedular rating (in addition to SMC-K).

How much does a 20% VA rating for Erectile Dysfunction pay in 2026?

$356.66 per month, tax-free, for a veteran with no dependents (rates effective December 1, 2025) — more with a spouse, children, or dependent parents. If you have other rated conditions, the VA combines ratings using its own math rather than adding them.

Can Erectile Dysfunction be claimed as a secondary condition?

Yes — veterans commonly file Erectile Dysfunction secondary to PTSD / Mental Health, Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2), Lumbar Spine / Lower Back under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310. What carries a secondary claim is a medical nexus opinion connecting it to the service-connected condition.

Related tools & guides

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Educational information about the rating schedule — not legal or medical advice, never a prediction or promise of any rating, and not affiliated with the VA.