Seeking Guidance: Loss of Creative Organ

[Ocean]

Fellow Veterans and Supporters,

I am seeking guidance regarding Erectile Dysfunction (Creative Organ) and it is something I have only once asked for in February of 2010. When I initially applied, I stated it was secondary to pain, as have a Traumatic Spinal Injury and multiple fusions. I did not include any post military medical records or doctor statements at the time.

Flash forward 8 years, and I still suffer from chronic ED; neither Viagra nor Cialis have helped and I have given up on trying.  However, I do still feel that I am owed compensation for this and wanted to try and compile everything correctly. I have been doing some research and my daily medication for PTSD (70% SC) is 200mg Sertraline and 5mg of Clonazepam; I also take 200mg Naproxen for chronic inflammation, all of which are known to create medication-induced sexual dysfunction. Which, as my first question, does that matter to the Department of Veteran Affairs? 

A part of the problem with this claim is me, I don't mind the physical scars, but telling doctors I have ED makes me feel like I have lost my manhood (I guess pun intended). If possible, I would really prefer not to go to a urologist for them to complete a DBQ as the emotional trauma and stress would be overwhelming. My second question, if I have an extensive amount of combat-related injuries that are service connected, am I able to just write a Statement of Claim and connect the dots for the rating agent; or should I really make it a point to get that DBQ?

[brokensoldier244th]

Unfortunately, if you want the ED rating you have to get the exam. Mine is secondary to spinal disc and nerve compression, so its easily possible depending on where your back issues are located. You can also talk to your PCP about the drugs you take contributing. With your history of trying cialis/etc it should be a pretty easy claim to get. One of the things they check in the exam is your prostate, which can contribute to ED if its enlarged, so if you have the beginnings of prostate cancer or something you'd definitely want to know. Just be honest with them about your sexual issues. Heck, bring your spouse with you if you need to. I had notes from mine with me at my exam that I read off (the bullet points) to the examiner. 

[Ocean]

Thank you Soldier,

I was hoping to avoid the prostrate exam for another 10 years, as I am only 30. But if it needs to be done, Ill suck it up. I will make some notes and schedule with a urologist. Do you know if they would back pay from 2010, when I first reported the problem?

[silverdollar22]

Another avenue that would work is have your psychiatrist, which is a doctor, fill out a DBQ for loss of organ. Have you ever mentioned the ED to him? I never had to go to a urologist or anywhere else for a test. The word of your psychiatrist should be sufficient being that depression and PTSD medication is known to cause ED! 

[Ocean]

I no longer utilize a psychiatrist as their medications were too disabling (depakote, lithium, etc). My PCP is who prescribes Sertraline, Wellbutrin, and Clonazepam and is very aware of my C-PTSD. Would you recommend that my PCP writes a statement regarding the PTSD medications, or should the Urologist do everything?

[silverdollar22]

Try your PCP first. Probably won’t work out but if you print out the DBQ and take it with you the next visit, use that time for her to fill out the paperwork! It’s worth a try! I know that the RO will want a opinion from a psychiatrist or a urologist but, you’re PCP can opine that the medication can (more likely than not) cause ED.

[Ocean]

Thank you, Silver Dollar.