On this page
- Testicular conditions VA rating criteria
- Varicocele, pain and a 0 percent rating
- Chronic epididymitis and orchitis (DC 7525)
- Special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use
- How much VA pays for testicular conditions
- How to prove a testicular condition is service connected
- The C&P exam and the Male Reproductive Organ Conditions DBQ
- Why VA denies testicular condition claims
- Questions veterans ask about testicular conditions
- Sources
A varicocele, an atrophied testicle and a removed testicle do not share one VA rating. The schedule assigns different codes to each. It also tells VA to consider special monthly compensation, which can matter even when the regular rating is 0 percent.
This page covers those codes and chronic epididymitis or orchitis. Testicular cancer has its own page because the cancer and post-treatment rules raise different questions. The Board section below covers the testicular condition family.
Testicular conditions VA rating criteria
38 CFR § 4.115b provides these ratings:
| Condition and code | Schedule wording | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| DC 7523, complete testicular atrophy | "Both" | 20% |
| DC 7523, complete testicular atrophy | "One" | 0% |
| DC 7524, testicular removal | "Both" | 30% |
| DC 7524, testicular removal | "One" | 0% |
| DC 7543 | "Varicocele/Hydrocele" | 0% |
All three codes carry the footnote: "Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under § 3.350 of this chapter."
DC 7524 has an exception that matters after one testicle is removed:
In cases of the removal of one testis as the result of a service-incurred injury or disease, other than an undescended or congenitally undeveloped testis, with the absence or nonfunctioning of the other testis unrelated to service, an evaluation of 30 percent will be assigned for the service-connected testicular loss. Testis, undescended, or congenitally undeveloped is not a ratable disability.
That exception requires findings about both testicles. Submit the operative report for the removed testicle and the medical evidence of absence or nonfunctioning of the other.
Varicocele, pain and a 0 percent rating
DC 7543 does not include a compensable percentage for varicocele or hydrocele. That can be frustrating when pain affects daily life, but the code does not supply a higher row based on pain alone.
A clinical review describes varicocele as dilation of veins in the scrotum and explains that some patients experience aching or throbbing pain (Paick and Choi, 2019). Pain does not by itself establish complete testicular atrophy, removal or loss of use under the separate rules. Ask the urologist to name each actual diagnosis and describe its effects.
If you have a distinct additional disability, such as a painful surgical scar, ask VA to address it under the relevant criteria. See scars. Section 4.14 bars paying twice for the same manifestation, so another code is not an automatic way to increase a varicocele rating.
Chronic epididymitis and orchitis (DC 7525)
The current code is titled "Prostatitis, urethritis, epididymitis, orchitis (unilateral or bilateral), chronic only." It says: "Rate as urinary tract infection." For tubercular infections, it directs rating under §§ 4.88b or 4.89, whichever is appropriate.
Section 4.115a gives these urinary tract infection criteria.
| Rating | Urinary tract infection criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | "Recurrent symptomatic infection requiring drainage by stent or nephrostomy tube; or requiring greater than 2 hospitalizations per year; or requiring continuous intensive management" |
| 10% | "Recurrent symptomatic infection requiring 1-2 hospitalizations per year or suppressive drug therapy lasting six months or longer" |
| 0% | "Recurrent symptomatic infection not requiring hospitalization, but requiring suppressive drug therapy for less than 6 months" |
Section 4.115a also says: "Poor renal function: Rate as renal dysfunction."
For a DC 7525 claim, document that the condition is chronic, each hospital stay and the duration and purpose of suppressive treatment. A diagnosis of chronic epididymitis does not automatically mean that the 30 percent management criteria are met. The treatment record must show what care was required.
Special monthly compensation for loss or loss of use
SMC-K is separate from the ordinary percentage. Under 38 CFR § 3.350(a)(1)(i):
Loss of a creative organ will be shown by acquired absence of one or both testicles (other than undescended testicles) or ovaries or other creative organ. Loss of use of one testicle will be established when examination by a board finds that:
Section 3.350 lists these alternatives.
- "The diameters of the affected testicle are reduced to one-third of the corresponding diameters of the paired normal testicle, or"
- "The diameters of the affected testicle are reduced to one-half or less of the corresponding normal testicle and there is alteration of consistency so that the affected testicle is considerably harder or softer than the corresponding normal testicle; or"
- "If neither of the conditions (a) or (b) is met, when a biopsy, recommended by a board including a genitourologist and accepted by the veteran, establishes the absence of spermatozoa."
Those are specific examination requirements. A fertility concern or a small testicle, without the findings the rule calls for, does not automatically establish loss of use. Discuss existing evidence and any examination needs with your clinician rather than arranging a procedure solely to match this wording.
Section 3.350(a)(1)(iii) also distinguishes elective operations from those advised on sound medical judgment to relieve a pathological condition or prevent future pathological consequences. The reason for an operation belongs in the record. A service-connected loss is still required; removal alone does not establish its connection to service.
How much VA pays for testicular conditions
At VA's rates effective December 1, 2025, a veteran without dependents receives $180.42 a month at 10 percent, $356.66 at 20 percent and $552.47 at 30 percent. SMC-K is $139.87 a month and can be added to basic disability compensation, including a 0 percent award, when its requirements are met. The combined rating calculator handles ordinary combined percentages; SMC is a separate entitlement.
How to prove a testicular condition is service connected
A condition or injury documented in service
Under 38 CFR § 3.303, identify the current disability and the evidence linking it to service. Urology notes, ultrasound reports, injury records and operative reports can establish what happened and when. If the diagnosis came after service, the clinician's explanation should address the earlier symptoms or injury rather than rely only on the date of the later diagnosis.
A condition caused or aggravated by another service-connected disability
Section 3.310 covers secondary service connection. If a clinician relates the testicular condition to treatment or surgery for a service-connected disability, include that explanation and the relevant records. An opinion should address whether it was aggravated by the veteran's service-connected condition, meaning it would be less severe but for that condition. El-Amin v. Shinseki addresses the need for an adequate opinion on claimed aggravation.
Mumps followed by orchitis in service
Section 3.350(a)(1)(iv) specifically addresses atrophy resulting from mumps followed by orchitis in service. It also says that mumps without orchitis in service is insufficient as the antecedent cause for authorizing this benefit. Keep the infection record and later examination findings together; the regulation makes their sequence relevant.
The C&P exam and the Male Reproductive Organ Conditions DBQ
Prepare with the Male Reproductive Organ Conditions DBQ guide.
- Identify each diagnosis. Distinguish varicocele, hydrocele, chronic infection, complete atrophy and removal.
- Document both sides. The codes distinguish one testicle from both, and the removal exception depends on the other testicle's function.
- Bring treatment dates. Chronic infection ratings depend on hospitalizations and suppressive therapy.
- Include surgical findings. Bring the reason for surgery and the operative report.
- Ask about SMC review. The schedule flags these codes for it, even at 0 percent.
Raven Scan can help you review your uploaded medical records before gathering these documents.
Why VA denies testicular condition claims
The Board section below shows what the Board found missing in denied testicular condition appeals and why it sent others back. These are the patterns behind those numbers.
The diagnosis is unclear. Pain, atrophy, removal and chronic infection raise different rating questions. Ask the clinician to distinguish them.
The service link is missing. A current finding does not by itself explain its relationship to an old injury or treatment.
The requested level needs different findings. A varicocele is not the same as complete atrophy, and a medicine list may not show the duration of suppressive therapy.
SMC was not addressed. Check whether the decision considered the schedule's SMC footnote and the relevant examination findings. Missing findings may require development rather than an automatic award.
Questions veterans ask about testicular conditions
What is the VA rating for a varicocele?
DC 7543 assigns 0 percent for varicocele or hydrocele. Its footnote directs VA to review SMC eligibility, which is separate from that percentage.
What is the VA rating for testicular atrophy?
Complete atrophy of both testicles rates 20 percent under DC 7523. Complete atrophy of one rates 0 percent. The SMC loss-of-use requirements require their own findings.
What is the rating after removal of one testicle?
DC 7524 lists 0 percent for one and 30 percent for both. Its note allows 30 percent in the specified situation where one was removed because of service-incurred injury or disease and the other is absent or nonfunctioning for an unrelated reason.
How does VA rate chronic epididymitis?
DC 7525 directs VA to use urinary tract infection criteria. The rating depends on treatment, hospitalizations and other findings in § 4.115a, rather than the diagnosis alone.
Can I receive SMC-K with a 0 percent rating?
Yes, if the service-connected loss or loss of use meets § 3.350. VA's rate table allows SMC-K to be added to basic compensation at ratings from 0 to 100 percent.
Sources
- 38 CFR § 4.115b, DCs 7523, 7524, 7525 and 7543 (opens in a new tab), eCFR current through October 5, 2026
- 38 CFR § 4.115a, urinary tract infection criteria (opens in a new tab)
- 38 CFR § 3.350, special monthly compensation (opens in a new tab)
- 38 CFR § 3.303, service connection (opens in a new tab)
- 38 CFR § 3.310, secondary service connection (opens in a new tab)
- 38 CFR § 4.14, avoiding duplicate evaluations (opens in a new tab)
- El-Amin v. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 136 (2013) (opens in a new tab)
- Paick S, Choi WS. Varicocele and Testicular Pain: A Review. World J Mens Health. 2019;37:4-11. doi:10.5534/wjmh.170010 (opens in a new tab)
- VA disability compensation rates (opens in a new tab) and SMC rates (opens in a new tab), effective December 1, 2025
- Male Reproductive Organ Conditions DBQ guide