Primary service-connected condition

DC 7522 — Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity

Also known as: Erectile dysfunction, ED, impotence, sexual dysfunction, SMC-K, loss of use, infertility, male infertility

Mapped secondary conditions
2

These are commonly claimed secondary connections linked to this primary disability. Use them as a screening tool for conversations with your doctor, VSO, or VA-accredited attorney.

Primary → Secondary

Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity → Generalized anxiety disorder

9400
Strong

How the connection is commonly explained

Performance anxiety and relationship stress from ED

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 7522 (Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity). Provide medical records showing performance anxiety and relationship stress from ed and request a nexus opinion linking Generalized anxiety disorder to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
View condition detail
Primary → Secondary

Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity → Major depressive disorder

9434
Strong

How the connection is commonly explained

ED causes significant psychological distress and relationship problems

Filing tip

File as a secondary claim to DC 7522 (Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity). Provide medical records showing ed causes significant psychological distress and relationship problems and request a nexus opinion linking Major depressive disorder to your service-connected condition.

Relationship type: Caused by
View condition detail

This condition may also be secondary to

Arteriosclerotic heart disease
DC 7005
Strong

Cardiovascular disease directly affects blood flow

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Diabetes mellitus
DC 7913
Strong

Diabetes damages blood vessels and nerves that affect sexual function.

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Major depressive disorder
DC 9434
Strong

Depression and antidepressant medications both cause ED

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Multiple sclerosis
DC 8018
Strong

MS frequently causes erectile dysfunction through spinal cord involvement.

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Prostate gland injuries, infections, hypertrophy, postoperative residuals, bladder outlet obstruction
DC 7527
Strong

Prostate surgery and radiation frequently cause erectile dysfunction as a direct complication.

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Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010)
DC 5242
Moderate

Lumbar nerve involvement and pain medication side effects can affect sexual function.

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Endometriosis
DC 7629
Moderate

Endometriosis-related pelvic pain and surgical interventions can cause sexual dysfunction.

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Intervertebral disc syndrome
DC 5243
Moderate

Lumbar nerve compression and pain medication side effects can contribute to erectile dysfunction.

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Lumbosacral or cervical strain
DC 5237
Moderate

Nerve compression in the lumbar spine can affect sexual function. Pain medications also contribute.

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Nephritis, chronic
DC 7502
Moderate

Kidney disease affects hormones and blood flow

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Posttraumatic stress disorder
DC 9411
Moderate

PTSD medications such as SSRIs commonly cause erectile dysfunction. Chronic stress and anxiety also directly affect sexual function.

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How to File a Secondary Claim

1. Have your primary condition already service-connected.
2. Get diagnosed with the secondary condition.
3. Get a nexus letter from a doctor linking them.
4. File VA Form 21-526EZ and select the claim as a secondary claim.
5. Attend the C&P exam if one is scheduled.

Disclaimer: Secondary connections shown are based on commonly established medical links. Individual claims require medical evidence. Consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney.