Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) is a serious and often overlooked medical condition that can deeply affect a veteran’s physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. For many female veterans, FSAD develops as a result of military sexual trauma (MST), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or medications used to treat service-connected conditions.
Despite its impact, many women veterans are unaware that FSAD is recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and may qualify them for VA benefits, including Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). Even though FSAD is typically assigned a non-compensable rating, the condition can still result in monthly payments and access to important VA benefits.
This comprehensive 2026 guide explains how FSAD is defined, how to establish service connection, how the VA rates the condition, and what compensation options may be available.
Understanding Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
Definition and Symptoms
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) is a form of sexual dysfunction characterized by the ongoing inability to achieve or maintain adequate physiological arousal, including lubrication and swelling, during sexual activity. FSAD is considered a physiological medical condition and must be diagnosed by a qualified medical professional.
Common FSAD symptoms include:
- Absent or reduced sexual arousal
- Reduced or no genital or non-genital sensation
- Difficulty achieving lubrication
- Decreased sexual pleasure
- Avoidance of sexual activity due to distress
“FSAD is not simply a psychological issue it is a medically recognized condition with measurable physical effects,” explained by Dr. Allison Grant, gynecological health specialist.
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Prevalence Among Female Veterans
Sexual dysfunction among women veterans is estimated to affect between less than 1% and 2.4%, but experts agree this figure is likely underreported. Many female veterans do not undergo routine screening, and stigma or trauma-related barriers often prevent disclosure.
Women represent one of the fastest-growing populations in the U.S. military and veteran community. Research consistently shows that female veterans report lower sexual function than civilian women, particularly those with histories of MST, PTSD, or long-term medication use.
Impact on Quality of Life
FSAD can have far-reaching effects beyond sexual health. Many women experience emotional distress, relationship strain, depression, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem. These effects can worsen when FSAD coexists with other service-connected conditions.
“The emotional toll of FSAD can be just as disabling as the physical symptoms, especially for veterans with trauma histories,” said by Karen Mitchell, licensed clinical therapist specializing in veterans’ health.
For female veterans, FSAD is often intertwined with PTSD, depression, and MST, making holistic evaluation and treatment essential.
Establishing Service Connection for FSAD
Required Evidence
To establish service connection for FSAD, the VA requires three essential elements:
- A current medical diagnosis of FSAD
- Evidence of an in-service event, injury, illness, or exposure
- A medical nexus linking FSAD to military service
Supporting documentation may include:
- DD214 or separation documents
- Service treatment records
- Post-service medical records
- Physician statements or medical opinions
- Lay statements from the veteran or close contacts
“Lay statements can be powerful, especially when service records don’t fully capture sensitive conditions,” noted by Emily Rogers, VA claims consultant.
Direct Service Connection
Direct service connection applies when FSAD began during or was caused by military service. Veterans must show that an in-service event directly resulted in the condition.
FSAD may not have been diagnosed during service, especially if symptoms developed later. Veterans can explain gaps in records by describing delayed onset or lack of screening during service.
Secondary Service Connection
Secondary service connection applies when FSAD is caused or aggravated by another service-connected condition.
Common primary conditions linked to FSAD include:
- PTSD, particularly related to MST
- Depression or anxiety
- Chronic pain conditions
- Side effects from antidepressants or blood pressure medications
“If FSAD results from treatment for a service-connected condition, the VA can recognize it as secondary,” explained by Mark Sullivan, veterans disability attorney.
Medical opinions are crucial for secondary claims, as they establish the required causal link.
How the VA Rates FSAD?
FSAD VA Rating Criteria
The VA updated its gynecological rating schedule effective May 13, 2018, formally recognizing FSAD under Diagnostic Code 7632.
Under current criteria:
- FSAD is generally assigned a 0% VA rating
- Higher ratings may apply only if there is documented physical damage to reproductive organs
This rating structure aims to evaluate men and women equally for comparable conditions, though it has been criticized for not fully reflecting functional loss.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for FSAD
Even with a 0% rating, veterans with FSAD may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).
SMC is additional compensation paid for specific losses or functional impairments. For FSAD, eligibility is typically based on loss of use of a creative organ.
SMC-K Eligibility
| Benefit Type | Qualification |
|---|---|
| SMC-K | Loss of use of a creative organ |
| Monthly Payment | Paid in addition to VA compensation |
| Rating Required | 0% rating is sufficient |
“Many veterans don’t realize that SMC is payable even when the primary condition is non-compensable,” said by Daniel Brooks, veteran benefits advisor.
VA Benefits Beyond Monthly Compensation
A 0% VA rating for FSAD still provides valuable benefits, including:
- VA healthcare eligibility
- Access to gynecological and mental health treatment
- Protection for future rating increases
- Eligibility for SMC payments
Veterans should focus on documenting how FSAD affects daily functioning, emotional health, and relationships, not just physical symptoms.
VA Disability Payment and Processing
| Benefit Category | Details |
|---|---|
| FSAD Rating | Typically 0% |
| Monthly VA Pay | $0 (base rating) |
| SMC-K | Additional monthly compensation |
| VA Healthcare | Yes |
| C&P Exam | Often required |
Recent VA Updates Relevant to FSAD
- 2018: FSAD formally added to VA rating schedule
- 2024–2026: Increased awareness of MST-related secondary conditions
- Ongoing: Greater emphasis on trauma-informed C&P examinations
These developments have improved recognition of FSAD-related claims, especially when supported by strong medical evidence.
Why This Matters?
FSAD can deeply affect a veteran’s physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. Understanding VA eligibility allows female veterans to access compensation, treatment, and recognition for a condition that has long been overlooked.
Failing to file or properly document FSAD can result in lost benefits and delayed care. Filing a claim also preserves effective dates for future compensation increases.
FAQs
What is Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)?
FSAD is a medical condition involving difficulty achieving or maintaining physical sexual arousal.
What is the VA rating for FSAD?
FSAD is typically rated at 0% under Diagnostic Code 7632.
Can I receive compensation with a 0% rating?
Yes. Veterans may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K).
Can FSAD be secondary to PTSD or MST?
Yes. FSAD is commonly linked to PTSD and MST as a secondary condition.
Is a C&P exam required for FSAD?
In most cases, yes. Exams are conducted by VA healthcare professionals.
Can medications cause FSAD for VA purposes?
Yes. Medication side effects can establish secondary service connection.
