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

[Guest rickb54]

Morgan,

Not a problem, I have a spinal condition, that caused ED and have been prescribed viagra, but have never used it. I guess I feel that if I can't do it on my own then it just isn't worth it. I never filed a claim for it, and doubt that I will... I do think that it should be up for Service connection, regardless if a pill works or not......

[jriverman]

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.

If ED has been medically documented by the VA and connected to a service connected condition (or medication taken for that condition) do you have to go through a C and P to get the SMC of $87 per month.

In other words - do you have to open up all your conditions for review in order to claim the ED and get the SMC? Or, is there some kind of short cut to avoid a full C and P for the ED?

Riverman

[Guest Namvet6567]

Morgan, just because the BVA says something doesn't mean it's true. That case should have been appealed to the Court. A prosthesis that helps someone walk, doesn't really deminish their disability. Additionally, a claimant should be rated, on the symptoms, before the medication, not after.

jriverman, there is a C&P for ED. I've had it and it consists of the examiner asking you questions about the problem. If there is enough medical documentation, in your medical records and the VSC has them, in your c-file, the VA "may" not order a C&P but it's their call. For instance, if you have DM-II and it's in your records that you have ED, they might not order an exam, because ED is frequently caused by DM-II. FYI, anytime a claimant files another claim it opens the possibility of reviews, on other existing claims.

mssoup, if the ED is rated as S/C then the VA must supply Viagra or one of the substitutes. Five 100mg Viagra tablets are usually provided per month and patients are advised to cut them in half, thereby hopefully, doubling the applications available and getting "more bang for their buck." Pun intended.

Edited March 14, 2006 by Namvet6567

[Guest Morgan]

Namvet,

If you will read my last post, you'll see I have already conceded that and apologized.

[Guest Namvet6567]

Morgan, yes I saw that and was just pointing out another aspect. I'll know to walk lightly around your posts from here on out! I apologize for what you perceived, not what I said/did.

Edited March 14, 2006 by Namvet6567

[john999]

Many of us 100%/TDIU vets have other conditions we believe are SC, but are wary of having our whole claim looked at again in case the VA goes bonkers and decides we are recovered. Knowing the incredible stupidity of the VA anything seems possible when they start to reexamine a vets claims. I recently had a DMII claim approved but that seemed cut and dried and the VA did not reexamine my TDIU so maybe I am being paranoid....maybe?