Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) — VA Rating (DC 7632)
Diagnostic Code 7632 · 38 CFR §4.116
What Is It?
DC 7632 covers female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), a condition involving persistent difficulty with sexual arousal that causes distress. This can result from physical causes (nerve damage, hormonal changes, medication side effects), psychological causes (trauma, depression, anxiety), or a combination. For veterans, FSAD may develop as a result of military sexual trauma, injuries affecting pelvic nerves, hormonal disruption from service-connected conditions, medication side effects from service-connected treatments, or psychological conditions related to service. While the CFR assigns a 0 percent rating for FSAD itself, the condition may qualify for special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of a creative organ.
Rating Criteria
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Female sexual arousal disorder. The CFR provides a single rating of 0 percent for this condition. However, the code includes a flag for review of entitlement to special monthly compensation under 38 CFR 3.350, which can provide additional monthly payment for loss of use of a creative organ. |
Evidence Needed
A diagnosis of FSAD from a qualified healthcare provider is needed. Medical records documenting the underlying cause and its connection to service are essential. If the condition results from another service-connected disability (surgical menopause, pelvic injury, MST-related PTSD, medication side effects), documentation of that primary condition and a medical opinion linking FSAD to it supports the claim. Records showing the condition has been evaluated and any treatments attempted demonstrate ongoing disability.
C&P Exam Tips
Describe the nature of the arousal difficulty and how it affects your quality of life and relationships. Explain the underlying cause — whether physical, psychological, or both — and how it connects to your military service. If the condition results from a service-connected surgery, medication, or psychological condition, clearly explain that connection. Discuss any treatments you have tried and their effectiveness. While the rated percentage is 0, establishing service connection preserves access to VA treatment and may qualify you for special monthly compensation.
How to File
File VA Form 21-526EZ listing FSAD under DC 7632. If the condition is secondary to another service-connected disability, file it as a secondary claim with a nexus opinion. Specifically request review for special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ under 38 CFR 3.350, as this can provide additional monthly payment even though the base rating is 0 percent. If the underlying cause is military sexual trauma, the special evidence provisions for MST claims apply.
Common Mistakes
Not filing because the rating is 0 percent — a service-connected 0 percent rating still provides VA healthcare access for the condition and opens the door to special monthly compensation Not requesting special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ, which provides additional payment Not connecting FSAD to its underlying service-connected cause (surgery, medication, MST, injury) Not filing the primary condition first — if FSAD is secondary to PTSD or surgical menopause, the primary condition must be service-connected first
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I file if the rating is 0 percent?
A service-connected 0 percent rating still provides important benefits: VA healthcare for the condition, potential special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ (which is an additional monthly payment), and the ability to file for increase if the condition worsens or the rating criteria change. It also documents the condition in your VA record, which can support other claims.
What is special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ?
SMC under 38 USC 1114(k) provides an additional monthly payment when you experience loss of use of a reproductive organ. FSAD may qualify if the condition results in loss of use of a creative organ. This must be specifically requested and evaluated separately from the disability rating.