The VA recognizes epididymitis as a potentially service-connectable condition and offers disability benefits for veterans who develop it as a result of their military service. However, to qualify for compensation, the condition must be chronic, which means it’s lasting and requires ongoing treatment. This post explains the epididymitis VA rating in more detail.
Key Takeaways
- Injuries and STIs during military service are common causes of epididymitis in veterans.
- The VA rates epididymitis under diagnostic code 7525 at 0%, 10%, or 30% VA disability.
- Epididymal cysts are also rated using diagnostic code 7525 for prostatitis, urethritis, epididymitis, or orchitis.
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In this article about the epididymitis VA rating:
Epididymitis in veterans
Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis, which is a coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm.
The condition is usually caused by infections like sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections, or prostate infections. An injury to the area can also cause it. Research has found that epididymitis is more common in service members because of injuries and STIs.
Common signs of epididymitis:
- Testicle pain or tenderness
- Swelling or redness of the scrotum
- Painful urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Blood in semen
- Fever
- A lump near the affected area
Treatment for epididymitis depends on the cause of the condition and could be as simple as antibiotics, cold therapy, and pain relievers.
However, if left untreated, epididymitis can cause chronic pain, and the infection can spread to other parts of your body and to other people through intercourse. In rare cases, it may cause infertility.
Epididymitis VA rating
The VA rates epididymitis under diagnostic code 7525 for prostatitis, urethritis, epididymitis, or orchitis in the Schedule of Ratings. The rating applies to chronic conditions, defined as those ongoing for six weeks or longer.
The rating is based on that for a urinary tract infection, which is as follows:
| Description | VA rating | Monthly payment(veteran only) |
| Recurrent symptomatic infection requiring drainage by stent or nephrostomy tube; or requiring greater than 2 hospitalizations per year; or requiring continuous intensive management | 30% | $552.47 |
| Recurrent symptomatic infection requiring 1-2 hospitalizations per year or suppressive drug therapy lasting six months or longer | 10% | $180.42 |
| Recurrent symptomatic infection not requiring hospitalization, but requiring suppressive drug therapy for less than 6 months | 0% | [varating0] |
Epididymal cyst VA rating
An epididymal cyst, also known as a spermatocele, is a benign growth near the testicles. It may cause swelling or aching, but many times, no symptoms are present with these cysts.
The VA rating above also applies to epididymal cysts.
“If you were injured while serving this country and are reading this review, I encourage you to contact Woods & Woods right away. They are always standing ready to assist veterans in need.”
J.B., a Navy veteran in Virginia
Epididymitis and related conditions
As mentioned above, epididymitis can develop in veterans as the result of an STI or an injury sustained to your groin during service.
Alternatively, veterans with service-connected epididymitis may develop another condition, such as infertility or chronic pain, as a complication.
If any of this sounds like you, you may be eligible for a secondary service connection for your epididymitis.
A veteran can receive a secondary service-connected disability rating for any health condition that is medically related to a condition that’s already service connected. Medical evidence must link the primary and secondary service-connected impairments, or the secondary impairment must link to another service-connected health concern.
How Woods & Woods can help
Our team of VA-accredited attorneys, legal analysts, case managers, and intake specialists help veterans nationwide get the benefits they deserve. If you’re tired of appealing one VA decision after another, call us today for a free case evaluation.
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Frequently asked questions
Chronic epididymitis can qualify as a VA disability, but it depends on how long it lasts and what treatment is necessary.
The VA rates epididymitis under diagnostic code 7525 for prostatitis, urethritis, epididymitis, or orchitis in the Schedule of Ratings. It can be assigned a 0%, 10%, or 30% VA rating.
Neil Woods
Neil Woods is a VA disability attorney and the owner and president of Woods & Woods. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
