Hypogonadism- testostrone use-Secondary Pain Meds

[rootbeer22]

Folks:

Can  male Vets make a claim for Hypogonadism and the prescribed use  due to the long term use of pain meds for established  service related conditions? As a result, I am now on testosterone treatments for the rest of my life and I really do not like the stuff. My testosterone levels were extremely low and I felt really weak. I also get the SMC for ED but don't know if the hypogonadism would be treated and viewed separately for disability purposes? I take the pain meds due to  my SC for my Tank Related back, neck, and spine injuries during my ARMY service?

 

[brokensoldier244th]

Im on TRT as well, DDD issues also. None of the pain medications I take are directly noted to reduce testosterone as a side effect, and I am overweight which you may not be. Short of stopping taking medication (for me) to see if it affected my T levels or prolactin the endocrinologist did not have a way to discern if it was medication, my weight, or some other issue. They made sure that I did not have any masses or tumors going on, and monitored my blood work for a few cycles and then started me on testosterone. 

 

 

[rootbeer22]

brokensoldier244th:

 

Thanks,

The extremely  low-T is associated with long term pain meds use and covered in numerous medical studies so the cause is clearly linked. Frankly, almost all males experience a decline of Low-T as they age to the 50 plus age range but mine was way below even the lowest normal range. It's clear that we both have similar issues and I was injured in the ARMY as well. Currently, I'm at 80% but was low balled on a few of my contentions but that may increase as time goes by. I'm just not sure if the Hypogonadism and ED can be separate ratings down the road? I also have been SC for Hypertensive Heart Disease as well.

 

[Vync]

Yes, you can file an ED claim based on side effects of medications used to treat SC conditions. Check the side effect list of medications you were given/are taking. If you can get a doc to opine, it should not be a problem. SMC-K is about $100 extra a month, but does not count toward your combined rating. Common medications which cause this problem are opiates (codeine) and psychotropic meds, like prozac or clonopin, which are sometimes given as opiate alternatives.

Here is a BVA link where on it: http://www.va.gov/vetapp11/files1/1105222.txt

 

[brokensoldier244th]

Good to know. I'm 38, so pretty far  outside the low t spectrum for  age. ED is a separate rating for me, but my hypogonadism is not currently SC since I had a pending IU / PT  claim going at the same time. Don't know about that one. This is all kinda new to me, yet.

[Vync]

Good to know. I'm 38, so pretty far  outside the low t spectrum for  age. ED is a separate rating for me, but my hypogonadism is not currently SC since I had a pending IU / PT  claim going at the same time. Don't know about that one. This is all kinda new to me, yet.

You are probably already in the know, but for those who are not: For males, it could be about not being able to get to "attention", not being able to finish your duty, or for removal of the hydraulics for a variety of reasons. Even with these conditions, it might be possible to father children. Remember the "D" in "ED" = "dysfunction". Something is not working as it should. Don't worry about age. You've probably seen the news articles about 60 year old men fathering children. It can happen to just about anyone, but it tends to be different scenario for us veterans. Vets been through much more than the average person. Perhaps hypogonadism could be SC. If one develops tesicular cancer, and if it spreads elsewhere, then it would be bad. Remember, for your spouse (if you have one), it could be worth the DIC factor. Also, by getting it SC, the VA would not be allowed to charge any medical insurance you have for treatment of the condition.

[lotzaspotz]

My husband has been taking bi-weekly depo-testosterone injections since 1993 for service connected total hormone replacement due to a pituitary brain tumor.  He is service connected for sleep apnea and bilateral cataracts that are the secondary effects of long term steroid use.  You may find it useful to get a broad view over time of what side effects may develop if you're taking similar meds.  The secondary effects showed up after approximately 14 years of treatment.