Special Monthly Compensation at the K level (SMC-K) is a separate, additional payment on top of your regular disability rating, awarded for specific anatomical losses or loss of use, including loss of use of a creative organ. It is governed by 38 U.S.C. 1114(k) and 38 CFR 3.350(a). To qualify, you generally need medical evidence showing loss of erectile function (or other qualifying loss) that is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition or its treatment, including medication side effects.
If your SSRI is prescribed to treat a service-connected mental health condition like PTSD, depression, or anxiety, and that medication causes sexual dysfunction, this can support a secondary claim for SMC-K. VA typically requires a current diagnosis of erectile dysfunction or similar loss of function, and a medical nexus opinion linking it to the medication or the underlying service-connected condition. Many veterans obtain this through a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for male reproductive organ conditions, completed by their treating provider or during a VA Compensation and Pension exam.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Analyze my claim free →Some veterans hesitate to file for this because it can prompt a review of current medications or treatment, or they feel the additional monthly amount isn't worth the hassle. That is a personal decision, but pursuing SMC-K does not typically reduce or endanger an existing P&T (permanent and total) rating or your SMC-S entitlement, since SMC-K is additive and evaluated independently. It will not lower your combined disability rating either, since SMC-K is not part of the standard rating schedule calculation.
To file, you would submit a claim citing secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction (or the specific loss of function) due to medication side effects from a already-service-connected condition, using VA Form 21-526EZ if it's a new claim or a supplemental claim process if you have new evidence. Include treatment records showing the prescription, any documented side effects, and ideally a nexus statement from your prescribing provider.
If you are experiencing this side effect and want to pursue additional compensation, the concrete next step is to request a same-day appointment or note from your prescribing provider documenting the sexual side effects of your SSRI, then file a claim for secondary service connection with supporting evidence.
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