The exam form
The examiner fills out VA's "Male Reproductive Organ Conditions (Including Prostate Cancer)" form (a Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ). See the form on VA.gov
Form version checked: Updated on 2025-09-26 (v25_1).
What the exam is for
The exam records whether you have erectile dysfunction (ED), what's causing it if that's known, and any related problems with your penis or other sex organs.
What the examiner will ask and measure
- Your diagnosis. The form has a check box for "Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity."
- How the condition started and how it has changed.
- Whether you take medicine every day for the condition, and which ones.
- ED: whether you have it, and what's causing it, if known. The examiner can also mark that the cause is unknown.
- Retrograde ejaculation (semen goes back into the bladder instead of out): whether you have it, and the cause, if known.
- Urinary problems, if you have them, such as leaking, going often, or a weak or slow stream.
- Infections of the prostate or other sex organs, and how they were treated.
- Surgery to remove a testicle (orchiectomy): which side, and why.
- A physical exam of the penis, testicles and prostate, if needed. The examiner looks for loss of tissue or a change in shape (deformity). If you ask not to be examined, the form lets the examiner mark that and write down what you report.
- Prostate cancer and its treatment, if you have it, with dates.
- Biopsies and other test results. If recent results reflect how you are now, the form says no new tests are needed.
- How your conditions affect work tasks.
Be ready to describe
- When the ED started, and what was going on with your health then, such as a new diagnosis, a new medicine or a change in dose.
- Which of your service-connected conditions or medicines you think play a part, by name.
- Medicines you take for ED, and the medicines you take for other conditions.
- Any change in the shape of the penis, scarring, or injury.
- Other problems, such as leaking urine, prostate problems or surgery, with dates.
Common mistakes
- Not saying what you think caused the ED. The form asks about the cause, and a secondary claim depends on the link to your other condition or its medicines.
- Leaving out when the ED started compared with when your other condition or a new medicine started.
- Holding back details because the topic feels awkward. Examiners ask these questions often.
- Not mentioning a change in shape or scarring of the penis.
How VA rates it
VA's rule for ED has a single level, whether or not there's a change in the shape of the penis. VA also decides whether you're eligible for special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss or loss of use of a creative (reproductive) organ, under 38 CFR 3.350. VA last changed its rule for ED in November 2021.
In plain English
- 0%: Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity (a change in the shape of the penis).
- Scarring or deformity: A disease or injury of the penis that causes scarring or deformity is rated under this same code.
- Special monthly compensation: The rule's footnote tells VA to review whether you're eligible for SMC under 38 CFR 3.350. A note adds that for any claim involving loss or loss of use of one or more creative organs, VA checks 38 CFR 3.350 for SMC.
The regulation, word for word
Quoted from 38 CFR Part 4 (current as of October 16, 2026). This is what VA applies. The plain-English version above is our summary of it.
38 CFR 4.115b, diagnostic code 7522: Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity Open in the Rating Criteria Lookup
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|
| 7522 Erectile dysfunction, with or without penile deformity | 1 0 |
| Note: For the purpose of VA disability evaluation, a disease or traumatic injury of the penis resulting in scarring or deformity shall be rated under diagnostic code 7522. | |
Related
About every C&P exam
What is it?
After you file a claim, VA may ask you to have a claim exam, also called a compensation and pension (C&P) exam. It helps VA decide whether your condition is connected to your service, and how severe it is. It isn't treatment: the examiner won't treat you, prescribe medicine or refer you to anyone.
Who does it?
A VA provider or a provider from one of VA's exam contractors (Loyal Source, OptumServe, QTC or VES). VA picks; you can't choose. Hearing, mental health, eye and dental exams are done by specialists. For a reproductive, breast, rectal or mental health exam, or a claim related to military sexual trauma, you can ask for a male or female examiner.
How long does it take?
VA says anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on what you claimed. Some exams are by phone or video. If you claimed more than one condition, VA tries to schedule them on the same day.
Does the examiner decide my claim?
No. The examiner writes a report on a standard form (a Disability Benefits Questionnaire, or DBQ) and sends it to VA. VA decides your claim using all the evidence: the report, your medical and service records, and statements from you and others. The examiner can't tell you the results or answer questions about your claim.
Does everyone get one?
No. If your records already have what VA needs, VA can decide from the records alone (VA calls this Acceptable Clinical Evidence, or ACE).
What if I can't make it?
Call the number on your appointment letter at least 48 hours ahead to reschedule. Missing an exam delays your claim. VA may decide your claim on the evidence it already has, and some claims, such as a claim for an increase, are denied (38 CFR 3.655). If you had a good reason, such as being in the hospital or a death in your family, tell VA and ask for a new exam.
What should I bring?
VA says you don't need to bring anything. Send any new medical records to VA before the exam, because the examiner can't send them in for you. Arrive 15 minutes early and wear clothes you can move in. Many veterans find it helps to bring a short list of their symptoms, medicines and side effects, and key dates, so nothing is forgotten.
Can someone come with me?
You can ask the examiner. They may ask family members or caregivers to wait outside. For a sensitive physical exam, you can ask for a chaperone in the room.
Can I get a copy of the report?
Yes. Ask VA with a Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act request (VA Form 20-10206). VetEZ Claim can help you fill it out and send it.
Can my own doctor fill out the form instead?
For many conditions, yes. VA publishes the exam forms (DBQs) your own doctor can fill out and you can send in. VA doesn't pay for this. A few exam forms are for VA's own examiners.
Checked against VA's forms and rules on October 20, 2026. General information only, not medical or legal advice about your claim. VA decides every claim.
