Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is a common condition that can be caused by both psychological and physical factors. Veterans with service-connected disabilities are at an increased risk for developing ED due to the nature of their injuries, medical treatments and the psychological impact of military service.

Some common service-connected disabilities that can lead to ED include:

– Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord from gunshot wounds, explosions or vehicle accidents can disrupt nerve signals needed for erections. This is one of the most common causes of ED among veterans.

– Prostate injuries and treatments: Radical prostatectomy surgery, radiation treatment or trauma to the prostate area from combat injuries can cause nerve and vascular damage leading to ED.

– Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes is a major risk factor for ED due to its effects on blood vessels and nerves. Many veterans develop diabetes from Agent Orange exposure during Vietnam service.

– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): The anxiety and depression of PTSD can directly contribute to erectile difficulties. Some medications used to treat PTSD like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also cause sexual side effects.

A review study published online in the Journal of Sexual Medicine on Feb. 9, 2015, found that male Veterans with PTSD were significantly more likely than their civilian counterparts to report erectile dysfunction or other sexual problems.

– Pelvic and genitourinary injuries: Blast injuries from improvised explosive devices and gunshots can damage the arteries, nerves and tissues involved in sexual functioning. Surgeries and scar tissue may further impair erections.

– Medications: Opioid pain medications, blood pressure medications, antidepressants and other drugs commonly used for service-connected conditions can list ED as a side effect.

The good news is that ED is one of the most treatable complications of service-connected disabilities. Oral medications like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are effective for most men. Other options include injection therapy, vacuum erection devices, urethral suppositories and penile implants. Since ED is linked to other health issues like cardiovascular disease, it is important for veterans to get medical help. The VA offers diagnostic testing, counseling and a range of ED treatment options to qualified veterans. By seeking proper medical care, most men with service-connected ED can successfully regain their sexual function.

Understanding SMC-K Benefits for Erectile Dysfunction

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability compensation to veterans for service-connected conditions that impair quality of life. This includes erectile dysfunction (ED) resulting from injuries or illnesses incurred during military service.

The VA assigns Special Monthly Compensation-K (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ.

What is SMC-K?

SMC-K is a special monthly payment made to veterans who have lost the use of one or more creative organs as a result of military service. Creative organs refer specifically to reproductive organs, which for men include the penis and testicles.

To be eligible for SMC-K, a veteran must:

– Have a service-connected condition that caused loss of use of at least one creative organ

– Not qualify for regular SMC under another rate

– Provide medical evidence, like doctor’s statements and lab tests, showing loss of use

The VA considers loss of use to mean the veteran’s creative organ has lost substantial function, resulting in the inability to copulate and procreate. For ED, this generally means achieving only partial erections insufficient for intercourse.

Benefit Amount

As of 2023, SMC-K pays eligible veterans an additional $144.78 per month. This is on top of any disability rating compensation for ED. It aims to compensate for the unique impact that loss of sexual function has on quality of life.

Veterans with service-connected ED should consider applying for SMC-K to receive the full benefits entitled to them. Like other VA claims, veterans will need to provide evidence of service connection and documentation of ED severity. With proper medical diagnoses and opinions, veterans can receive both disability ratings and SMC-K pay for loss of use resulting from ED.