Epididymitis is a painful and often recurring condition that affects many veterans, particularly those who experienced infections, trauma, or prolonged physical strain during military service. Despite how disruptive it can be, epididymitis is frequently misunderstood within the VA disability system leading to underrating or denial of valid claims.
Because epididymitis does not have a dedicated VA diagnostic code, many veterans assume it is not compensable. That assumption is incorrect. When properly documented and service-connected, chronic or recurrent epididymitis can qualify for monthly VA disability compensation and additional benefits.
This guide explains how the VA evaluates epididymitis, how ratings are assigned, what evidence is required, and how veterans can strengthen their claims.
What Is Epididymitis?
Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis, the narrow, coiled tube located behind the testicle that stores and transports sperm. When inflamed, it can cause significant pain, swelling, and functional impairment.
Epididymitis may develop suddenly or gradually and can become chronic if not properly treated.
“Epididymitis is not just a temporary infection for many patients. In veterans, repeated inflammation or trauma can lead to long-term pain and disability,” explains a board-certified urologist.
Causes and Symptoms of Epididymitis
Common Causes
Epididymitis can result from multiple service-related and non-service-related factors, including:
- Bacterial infections (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Prostate infections
- Testicular or groin trauma
- Long-term catheter use
- Heavy lifting or physical strain
- Certain medications
- Rare infections such as tuberculosis
Common Symptoms
Veterans with epididymitis may experience:
- Testicular or scrotal pain
- Swelling and tenderness
- Warmth or discoloration of the scrotum
- Painful urination
- Pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort
- Pain during physical activity
“Chronic scrotal pain can interfere with walking, sitting, sleep, and sexual health, all of which are relevant when evaluating VA disability,” says a VA medical examiner.
Traumatic Epididymitis and Military Service
Injury-Related Epididymitis
Traumatic epididymitis occurs when physical injury to the testicles or groin causes inflammation of the epididymis. This type of injury may occur during:
- Training accidents
- Vehicle rollovers
- Falls
- Combat-related trauma
- Repetitive strain or heavy lifting
“Testicular trauma is more common in military settings than civilians realize, and epididymal inflammation is a known complication,” explains a military healthcare specialist.
Important: Sudden or severe scrotal pain requires immediate medical attention to rule out emergencies such as testicular torsion.
Acute vs. Chronic Epididymitis
The VA generally focuses on chronic epididymitis, as acute cases are often treatable with antibiotics and resolve within weeks.
- Acute epididymitis: Lasts less than six weeks
- Chronic epididymitis: Persists longer than six weeks or recurs frequently
Untreated or recurrent acute epididymitis can progress into a chronic condition involving scarring and persistent pain.
Acute vs. Chronic Epididymitis Comparison
| Feature | Acute Epididymitis | Chronic Epididymitis |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Sudden onset, under 6 weeks | Long-term or recurring |
| Symptoms | Severe pain, swelling, fever possible | Persistent or intermittent pain |
| Common Causes | Infection, trauma, UTI | Recurrent infection, scarring |
| VA Focus | Rarely rated | Commonly rated |
How the VA Rates Epididymitis?
Diagnostic Code Used by the VA
Epididymitis does not have a specific diagnostic code. Instead, the VA rates it by analogy under:
- 38 C.F.R. § 4.115b
- Diagnostic Code (DC) 7525 – Chronic epididymo-orchitis
- Evaluated using urinary tract infection (UTI) criteria
“When there is no direct diagnostic code, the VA is required to rate the condition under the closest analogous criteria,” says a VA-accredited claims agent.
Epididymitis VA Rating Criteria
| VA Rating | Qualifying Criteria |
|---|---|
| 30% | Recurrent infection requiring drainage, nephrostomy tube, more than two hospitalizations per year, or continuous intensive management |
| 10% | Recurrent infection requiring 1–2 hospitalizations per year or suppressive drug therapy lasting six months or more |
| 0% | Recurrent symptoms requiring treatment but no hospitalization and less than six months of drug therapy |
VA Compensation and Benefits for Epididymitis
| VA Rating | Monthly Compensation (Single Veteran) |
|---|---|
| 30% | ~$530+ |
| 10% | ~$175+ |
| 0% | $0 (benefits eligibility only) |
A 0% rating still establishes service connection, which may qualify veterans for VA healthcare, future increased ratings, and secondary claims.
Establishing Service Connection for Epididymitis
Direct Service Connection Requirements
To qualify, veterans must provide:
- A current diagnosis of chronic epididymitis
- Evidence of an in-service event, injury, or illness
- A medical nexus linking the condition to service
Supporting evidence may include service treatment records, incident reports, and personal statements.
“A well-written nexus letter often determines whether a genitourinary claim is approved or denied,” explains a VA disability attorney.
Secondary Service Connection for Epididymitis
Veterans may qualify for secondary service connection if epididymitis is caused or aggravated by another service-connected disability.
Examples include:
- Prostate conditions (DC 7527)
- Chronic UTIs (DC 7525)
- Mumps resulting in testicular atrophy (DC 7523)
- Genitourinary tuberculosis (DC 7525)
- Diabetes mellitus worsening infection risk (DC 7913)
A medical opinion stating the condition is “at least as likely as not” related is critical.
Filing a VA Claim for Epididymitis
Step 1: Gather Evidence
Collect medical records, diagnostic tests, treatment history, and nexus letters.
Step 2: Complete VA Form 21-526EZ
Describe symptom frequency, severity, duration, and impact on daily life.
Step 3: Submit the Claim
File online at VA.gov, in person at a VA regional office, or with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO).
“Clear documentation of ongoing treatment and recurrence is essential for epididymitis claims,” says a former VA rater.
Why Epididymitis Claims Matter for Veterans?
Chronic epididymitis can interfere with mobility, sleep, intimacy, and mental health. When properly rated, it can also open the door to:
- Increased VA compensation
- Secondary condition claims
- Special Monthly Compensation in rare cases
- Long-term VA healthcare eligibility
FAQs
What is the highest VA rating for epididymitis?
The maximum schedular rating is 30%, based on recurrent infection requiring intensive management or frequent hospitalization.
Can epididymitis qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)?
Yes. In rare cases involving loss of use of a creative organ, veterans may qualify for SMC-K.
Can epididymal cysts be rated separately?
Yes. If cysts develop secondary to service-connected epididymitis and cause functional impairment, they may qualify for additional compensation.
