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Make Sure Veterans Aren’t Missing Benefits. Ask About ED.

This is your source to identify ED, reasons why Eddie could be the answer, and ways to help Veterans secure their potential SMC-K eligibility.

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ED Is More Common and More Overlooked Than Most Veterans Realize

These numbers come from VA research and peer-reviewed clinical sources. They describe what is happening in your office — across every appointment, every era of service, every county.

85%
Combat Veterans report some form of sexual dysfunction
10M+
Veterans experience ED
75%
Remain untreated
$139.87
In SMC-K benefits ($1,678.44 annually)

Could Your Condition or Medication Be Contributing?

Search by condition or medication to identify potential connections and generate a report to discuss with your VSO or healthcare provider.

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ED Is More Than a Sexual Health Issue

It can also serve as an early warning sign for both broader health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and medication complications. Asking about it is not a personal question. It is a clinical one.

ED can affect

Mental health and confidence, relationships and intimacy, physical activity and wellness, family planning and fertility and overall quality of life.

An early warning sign

For broader health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and medication complications.

It affects two people

One of the few medical conditions that directly affects both the veteran and the partner.

Why so many veterans stop treatment.

Common challenges with traditional treatments include: side effects and drug interactions; limited effectiveness for some patients; difficulty maintaining long-term adherence; inconvenience, discomfort, or loss of spontaneity.

As a result, many veterans discontinue treatment and continue living with unresolved ED and its broader physical, mental and relationship impacts.

Oral PDE5 medications

Not appropriate for all patients. May interact with cardiovascular medication. Up to 57% discontinuation rates.

Vacuum erection devices (VEDs)

Can feel mechanically burdensome. Reduced spontaneity and comfort. Long-term adherence challenges.

Penile implant surgery

Invasive and irreversible. Risk of surgical complications or revision procedures.

A Non-Drug, Non-invasive ED Treatment Option

Eddie® is an FDA Class II External Erectile Assist Device—Penile Rigidity Support (EEAD-PRS) indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Eddie is designed to work with the body’s natural erectile process by helping maintain erection stability and blood flow during use.

Eddie is

Non-pharmacological, noninvasive, reusable, available without a prescription, and designed to support natural erectile physiology.

Available without prescription

Reusable, noninvasive, and non-pharmacological—no drug interactions to manage.

Works with the body.

Designed to support natural erectile physiology, maintaining erection stability and blood flow during use.

Many Veterans May Qualify for SMC-K, and Don’t Know It

Even a 0% ED rating may still qualify when supported by medical evidence.

Under VA Diagnostic Code 7522, service-connected ED may qualify a Veteran for:

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K)

Service-connected ED may qualify a Veteran for additional compensation.

Approximately $139.87 a month

Or, $1,678.44 a year of additional compensation at current published VA rates.

Paid in addition

To existing VA disability benefits, without requiring the Veteran to re-establish existing service-connected conditions.

Be Their Advocate and Bring It Up

A simple, whole-health conversation can help normalize the topic and uncover broader health concerns.

Here’s a few ways to bring it up:

“Have you noticed any changes since starting your medications?”
“A lot of these conditions can affect sexual health or performance.”
“Things might not work like they did when you were 27. Have you noticed any changes?”

Materials and Resources for VSOs

Many Veterans are uncomfortable bringing up ED, and many are unaware of available treatment options for potential SMC-K eligibility. These resources are designed to help VSOs start the conversation, educate veterans, and support better health and benefits outcomes.

Eddie Educational Display for VSOs

A Lucite display designed to help VSOs demonstrate Eddie and explain sizing and usage.

  • Four Eddie devices (Sizes A–D) and tension bands
  • Sizing and usage instructions

For VSO office education only. Not for personal use.

VSO Quick Reference Guide (QRG)

A practical guide for VSOs covering:

  • ED and common service connections
  • Medication side effects
  • SMC-K eligibility
  • Conversation frameworks
  • Claims and documentation guidance

Veteran Educational Brochure

A simple, Veteran-focused brochure designed to:

  • Explain ED and common causes
  • Reduce stigma around conversation
  • Educate veterans about treatment pathways
  • Raise awareness of possible SMC-K eligibility

The VSO Quick Reference Guide (QRG) and Veteran Educational Guide are available separately for office distribution, outreach, and Veteran appointments. These materials are designed to reinforce education, encourage earlier conversations, and support ongoing Veteran engagement.

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Better Outcomes for Veterans Start With Conversations

Helping Veterans address ED is about more than one condition—it’s about supporting the whole Veteran.

Reducing stigma, improving education, and encouraging earlier conversations around ED can lead to:

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01
Better health outcomes
02
Improved quality of life
03
Stronger relationships
04
Earlier disease detection
05
More complete VA