A practical resource hub for VSOs to identify ED, support Veteran health, and help secure potential SMC-K eligibility.
The numbers come from VA research and peer reviewed clinical sources. They describe what's happening in your office - across every age cohort, every era of service, every county.
Cobat Veterans report some form of sexual dysfunction.
Veterans experience ED
Remain untreated
in SMC-K benefits
($1,678.44 annually)
Many service-connected conditions, chronic diseases, and commonly prescribed medications are associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). Search by condition, disorder, or medication to identify potential connections, support veteran conversations, and generate a report for claims discussions or healthcare follow-up.
It can also serve as an early warning sign for broader health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and medication complications.
"ED is one of the few medical conditions that directly affects both the veteran and their partner."Mental health and confidence | Relationships and intimacy | Physical activity and wellness | Family planning and fertility | Overall quality of life.
For broader health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and medication complications.
One of the few medical conditions that directly affects both the veteran and their partner.
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.Not appropriate for all patients. May interact with cardiovascular medications. Up to 57% discontinuation rates.
Can feel mechanically burdensome. Reduced spontaneity and comfort. Long-term adherence challenges.
Invasive and irreversible. Risk of surgical complications or revision procedures.
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.Non-pharmaceutical · Non-invasive · Reusable · Available without a prescription · Designed to support natural erectile physiology.
Reusable, non-invasive, and non-pharmaceutical — no drug interactions to manage.
Designed to support natural erectile physiology, maintaining erection stability and blood flow during use.
Under VA Diagnostic Code 7522, service-connected ED may qualify a veteran for:
Even a 0% ED rating may still qualify when supported by medical evidence.Service-connected ED may qualify a veteran under VA Diagnostic Code 7522.
In additional compensation.
To existing VA disability benefits.
A simple, whole-health conversation can help normalize the topic and uncover broader health concerns.
Here's a few ways to bring it up:
Many veterans are uncomfortable bringing up ED, and many are unaware of available treatment options or potential SMC-K eligibility. These resources are designed to help VSOs start the conversation, educate veterans, and support better health and benefits outcomes.
VSOs can use these materials to:
Eddie Sizing Kit:
A practical guide for VSOs covering:
A simple, veteran-focused brochure designed to:
Designed to help VSOs introduce treatment options, discuss ED more comfortably, and provide practical educational support to veterans.
Additional Educational Materials. Additional copies of 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.
Reducing stigma, improving education, and encouraging earlier conversations around ED can lead to:
Helping veterans address ED is about more than one condition—it’s about supporting the whole veteran.
