Can Veterans Get a VA Rating for Varicocele?

If you’re a veteran living with a varicocele caused by military service, you might be wondering whether you qualify for VA disability benefits. The short answer is yes, but understanding how the varicocele VA rating works is key to knowing what benefits you may qualify for. 

While the VA rating for varicocele is a noncompensable 0%, establishing service connection can still open the door to monetary benefits like special monthly compensation, or SMC. 

In this article we break down what a varicocele is, how the VA rates it, and how it may relate to other service-connected issues such as infertility, erectile dysfunction, and more.

What is a varicocele?

A varicocele is an enlarged vein within the scrotum. When blood pools in the veins, instead of circulating out of the scrotum, a varicocele can develop. While some men with varicoceles experience pain and discomfort, others experience no symptoms at all. 

Potential symptoms or signs of a varicocele include:

• Dull pain, aching, and discomfort
• Visible mass in the scrotum 
• Varying size of testicles
• Infertility

Based on the size and severity of your varicocele, medical professionals assign the condition a grade 0 through 3, with 0 being the smallest and 3 being the largest and most visible. 

People with a smaller varicocele generally only require simple at-home treatments such as daily lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medications. 

Varicoceles that affect fertility or are especially painful may require surgery. 

Varicocele VA rating

Veterans with service-connected varicocele may be eligible for a VA disability rating under diagnostic code 7543. However, the only rating available under this code is 0%, which is a noncompensable rating. 

While a 0% VA disability rating doesn’t provide monetary compensation, it still establishes a service connection. This can be used to qualify for future claims if the condition worsens or potentially make you eligible for SMC. We explain more about SMC below.

Although DC 7543 directly pertains to varicoceles, the VA may rate certain cases analogously based on specific symptoms the veteran is experiencing. 

If a veteran is experiencing recurrent pain in both testicles, for example, the VA may consider rating the condition analogously under the diagnostic code for testicular atrophy because the anatomical location and symptoms more closely match that particular condition. 

Other analogous diagnostic codes may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• DC 7120 for varicose (enlarged or twisted) veins 
• DC 7523 for testicular atrophy
• DC 7525 for inflammation of the prostate or epididymis 

Varicoceles and SMC

As mentioned above, veterans with service-connected varicoceles may be eligible to earn monetary benefits through special monthly compensation (SMC). 

SMC is intended to provide accommodations for disabilities that are more severe than accounted for by the Schedule of Ratings.. 

This includes health issues and injuries that cause the loss or loss of use of a creative organ. These types of issues are covered under SMC-K. 

Veterans with service-connected varicocele may be eligible for SMC-K if varicocele results in the loss or loss of use of the penis or testicles. “Loss of use” could include infertility and issues like erectile dysfunction.

Veterans that qualify for SMC-K receive an additional $136.06 on top of their current monthly disability compensation.

SMC-K Benefits Explained

Infertility and varicoceles 

Varicoceles also contribute to a significant amount of male infertility cases. Varicoceles are linked to lower sperm count, reduced sperm movement, and a higher number of abnormally shaped sperm. 

While the exact reason for this is unknown, experts suggest the temperature inside the scrotum increases due to the pooling of blood in the affected veins. The higher temperature may reduce sperm count and quality.

There may also be a connection between varicoceles and erectile dysfunction (ED). 

One study of over 800 men found that in a comparison between the 325 men with varicoceles and 510 men without, the men with varicoceles had significantly lower testosterone levels. This may contribute to the development of ED, as low testosterone is one of the many causes of the condition.

Disrupted blood flow to the penis caused by varicoceles may be another contributing factor to ED.

Veterans with service-connected varicoceles that cause infertility or ED may be owed additional VA disability benefits as well as SMC-K.

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Getting varicocele VA disability

If you’re a veteran with a varicocele, you may be eligible for monthly VA disability compensation. 

To receive a VA disability rating, you must prove that your varicocele can be tied back to your military service. You may be able to service connect your varicocele directly or secondarily through a related health condition.

In order to get benefits, you’ll need to submit an application for VA benefits, including any evidence to support your claim. Evidence may help prove your varicocele is connected to your service or show the severity of the condition.

Examples of evidence include:

• Your DD214 or other military separation documents
• Your service treatment records
• Private or VA Medical records from post-separation

Once your application and supporting evidence have been submitted, the VA will review it and make a decision. 

If you disagree with the VA’s decision, either because it is an outright denial for benefits or because you disagree with the rating, you have the right to appeal within one year.

How Woods & Woods can help

Woods & Woods has been fighting for people with injuries and disabilities since 1985. Our team of accredited VA disability lawyers, case managers, legal analysts, and intake specialists know the ins and outs of the VA so you don’t have to do all the hard work. Call us today for your free and confidential case evaluation.

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