FOR COUNTY VETERAN SERVICE OFFICERS
Everything You Need to Help Veterans
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Connecting ED to a Service-Related Condition
ED is often linked to a condition, treatment or medication side effect. These common examples can help you spot the connection and know where to look next.
Depression, anxiety and PTSD affect arousal directly — and the SSRIs and SNRIs most commonly prescribed to treat them list sexual dysfunction among their known effects. Either route can support the claim.
Prostate cancer and its treatment can affect erectile function. If the cancer or treatment is service connected, ED may be evaluated as secondary.
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels and nerves needed for erectile function. If diabetes is service connected, ED may be evaluated as secondary.
Heart and vascular conditions can reduce the blood flow needed for erectile function. If the condition is service connected, ED may be evaluated as secondary.
WHAT THE NEXUS MUST ESTABLISH
There is a clear medical link between the Veteran’s ED and the service-connected condition, treatment or medication.
Tell us what's working
Found a connection that helped a Veteran? Used a resource that made the conversation easier? Tell us what worked so other VSOs can learn from it too.
How your Veteran gets Eddie®
1
Talk with the VSO
The Veteran brings up ED, or you start the conversation.
2
Get a diagnosis
ED is diagnosed and documented by a healthcare provider.
3
Access treatment
The Veteran talks with the VA care team about treatment options, including Eddie when appropriate.
4
File the claim
You help connect the evidence and file the claim for ED as a secondary condition when supported.
5
SMC-K
If service connection and loss of use are established, the Veteran may qualify for SMC-K in addition to the disability rating already in place.