Diagnostic code 7522

How the VA Rates Erectile Dysfunction

The plain-English version of the 38 CFR § 4.115b, 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.

Check your symptoms All rating criteria

38 CFR § 4.115b, DC 7522 (with Special Monthly Compensation under 38 CFR 3.350(a))

Erectile Dysfunction · 1 levels

0%$0 · still service-connected

2026 VA rates (effective December 1, 2025), veteran alone, as the only rated condition. VA decides the level.

Key facts

Regulation: 38 CFR § 4.115b, DC 7522 (with Special Monthly Compensation under 38 CFR 3.350(a))
Diagnostic code: 7522
Levels in the schedule: 0%

The rating levels

Criteria paraphrased from 38 CFR § 4.115b, 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)
Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity — 0% (the only schedular level). Review for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ under § 3.350, 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)
- With or without penile deformity (e.g., Peyronie's-type curvature, scarring)
- Often secondary to diabetes, PTSD/medications, or prostate conditions

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 rating is 0% (the old 20%-for-deformity level no longer exists) — the money is SMC-K for loss of use of a creative organ, a separate monthly payment once it's service-connected

C&P exam tips for Erectile Dysfunction

1What 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; the schedular rating is 0%.
2Under current DC 7522 a penile deformity does not raise the schedular rating (it is 0% with or without deformity) — but document it; separate effects like a painful scar may be rated under the skin codes.
3Establish 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 schedular percentage — DC 7522 is 0% with or without deformity; the value is SMC-K.
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 § 4.115b, 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?

0% is the highest level in the rating schedule for Erectile Dysfunction. The criteria at that level describe: Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity — 0% (the only schedular level). Review for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ under § 3.350, paid as a separate monthly amount on top of any other compensation.

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.

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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.