Viagra

[Mr.B]

My freind is taking Viagra. He was told he could recieve SMC for being impotent. Is this true and how does he apply. Does he states he is taking this drug due to being impotent?

Edited March 13, 2006 by Mr.B

[StarVista888]

Hi -

I know that docs will prescribe Viagra if taking meds that cause that problem. Meds like antidepressants, blood pressure pills etc. They have a limit on how much can be prescribed per month and you can't get it if you have certain medical conditions because it will raise your blood pressure and is associated with heart attack and stroke.

So - I don't believe you have to be service connected.

[Guest Morgan]

Mr. B,

Erectile dysfunction is rated under SMC K ($87 per month last year, and I'm not sure if the rate increased with COLA). If Viagra works the veteran would not be paid SMC. SMC is paid for service-connected conditions, including secondary conditions.

ED is often linked to diabetes.

Edited March 13, 2006 by Morgan

[Guest Namvet6567]

StarVista888 - from the Viagra website: "VIAGRA can cause mild, temporary lowering of your blood pressure."

[mssoup1]

While the PCP at our local VAMC will get you a prescription for Viagra. the pharmacy will not fill it. They say that they do not fill this prescription. If you want it, you must have it filled somewhere else yourself and pay for it.

I don't understand why others seem to be able to get theirs filled locally at their VAMC with no problem. It seems if one VAMC will fill it, the rest of them should as well.

mssoup

[Guest rickb54]

Morgan,

how do you know that SMC will not be paid for ED if the viagra works... are you sure about this?. if this is true than half of the disabilities we are compensated for would not be compensated. Example... I have asthma, medication works..I still get compensation...... Point me to the directive that states if Viagra works no SMC award...

Lets face it medications helps but it does not cure the problem no mater what medical condition we are talking about.....

Edited March 13, 2006 by rickb54

[Guest Morgan]

Rick,

I apologize if I'm wrong about that. I was going by a BVA case I read recently that affirmed a VA decision to deny a claim for loss of use of a creative organ because the veteran reported that Viagra was working. The argument was the veteran had no loss of use. Many medications don't cure the disabilities we have, but other disabling conditions are rated based on whether the veteran can be gainfully employed. As I understand it, Special Monthly Compensation is a different.

I came across this because my husband takes meds for hypertension, and I wanted to know if the VA rates conditions on medication or off. They instructed him to be sure to take his medication when he went for an exam. In my research about hypertension, the loss of use of a creative organ was addressed. It is often a secondary issue for those who seek benefits for disabling hypertension.

I could be totally wrong to assume that they wouldn't pay and should not have posted that without knowing for sure. I sure can't base the "norm" on one BVA case. I've seen too many opposing results in BVA cases for seemingly similar circumstances. Sorry.

Mr. B, please disregard what I wrote and wait for someone on hadit to give you better advice.This is a devastating problem for some. I don't mean to be insensitive or discouraging.

SMC K

(ii) When loss or loss of use of a creative organ resulted from

wounds or other trauma sustained in service, or resulted from operations

in service for the relief of other conditions, the creative organ

becoming incidentally involved, the benefit may be granted.

Edited March 14, 2006 by Morgan