Erectile Dysfunction

This guide covers what DVA looks for when assessing this condition, including the relevant Statement of Principles factors, the evidence you should gather, and common preparation tips. Expand each section for more detail.

You are reviewing the condition-specific guidance to understand what evidence and preparation DVA expects.

PhysicalVETS Act 2026

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. In veterans, it is commonly linked to psychiatric conditions (PTSD, depression), medications for those conditions, or physical injuries sustained during service.

DVA uses Statements of Principles () from the Repatriation Medical Authority to determine whether a condition can be linked to service. For Erectile Dysfunction, DVA generally considers the following factors:

Having a psychiatric condition that is linked to service (PTSD, depression, anxiety) that contributes to erectile dysfunction
Using a medication for a service-related condition that can cause ED (many antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications list ED as a side effect)
Having a vascular condition linked to service (e.g. hypertension, diabetes)
Having a spinal cord or pelvic injury from service
Having a neurological condition linked to service affecting erectile function

Reference: SoP No. 16 of 2019 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 17 of 2019 (Balance of Probabilities). RH applies to operational/warlike service; BoP applies to peacetime service. Verify at rma.gov.au.Source: rma.gov.au — verify this directly with DVA for your circumstances.

DVA uses two different standards of proof depending on your type of service. Understanding which applies to you can help you prepare your evidence.

Reasonable Hypothesis (RH)Applies to: operational, warlike, or non-warlike serviceUnder the Reasonable Hypothesis standard (operational/warlike/non-warlike service), DVA generally considers that having a service-related psychiatric condition or taking medication for a service-related condition that causes ED — with clinical onset within a relevant period — is sufficient to raise a reasonable hypothesis.

Balance of Probabilities (BoP)Applies to: peacetime serviceUnder the Balance of Probabilities standard (peacetime service), DVA generally considers that the veteran must show it is more likely than not that ED was caused or materially contributed to by a service-related condition or its treatment.

In plain EnglishED is most commonly claimed as a secondary condition to an already accepted mental health condition or its medication. The standard of proof for the secondary link is the same as for the primary condition. If your primary condition was accepted under RH, the secondary link generally also uses RH. SoP instruments are updated periodically by the RMA. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au/sops.

Benefit of the doubt: DVA is legally required to give you the benefit of the doubt if evidence is evenly balanced (s119 , s335 ). Learn more

DVA generally considers the standard of proof based on your service type. Verify this directly with DVA or a qualified advocate.

Required

Clinical diagnosis of erectile dysfunctionA diagnosis from your GP or urologist.How to get it: See your GP. This can be a sensitive topic — your GP is experienced in discussing this professionally.Estimated time: 1-2 weeks

DVA acceptance letter for the primary condition (if secondary)If claiming ED as secondary to PTSD, depression, or medication side effects, DVA generally looks for evidence that the primary condition has been accepted.How to get it: Use your existing DVA acceptance letter.Estimated time: N/A if already accepted

Medical nexus reportA report from your doctor explaining how ED is linked to your service-related condition or its treatment.How to get it: Ask your GP or specialist to write a report explaining the link — this could be the psychological impact of PTSD on sexual function, or the side effects of medication.Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

ED is frequently claimed as secondary to PTSD, depression, or as a side effect of psychiatric medications — consider discussing with DVA or an advocate how these conditions may relate
Many antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) list ED as a known side effect — your pharmacist can confirm
This is a medical claim — DVA handles it professionally and confidentially
You do not need to provide extensive personal detail — the medical link is the key evidence

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical opinion linking your ED to a service-related condition or its treatment.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for erectile dysfunction secondary to my accepted PTSD and/or the SSRI medication I take. Could you write a report?

Personal statement (your own words)

Keep it brief and factual. Focus on the timeline and the medical link rather than personal detail.

Suggested structure

The accepted condition you believe is causing or contributing to ED
Medications you take for that condition
When the ED began relative to the primary condition or starting medication

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not mentioning the medication link
✗Not connecting to the accepted primary condition

Treatments DVA may cover

Medications for ED (e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil) covered by DVA
Urology specialist consultations
Psychological counselling for sexual dysfunction
Other treatments as recommended by your specialist

Next steps to consider

Proceed to Permanent Impairment claim if applicable
Ensure your primary condition continues to be managed
Discuss treatment options with your GP or urologist

Actual entitlements depend on individual DVA assessment. This is indicative only.

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You do not need to have everything ready before you start. Use these tools to work through the process at your own pace.

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Official + GuidanceVerified March 2026

This page combines official DVA information with platform-authored guidance. Official sources are cited where applicable.

SoP factors sourced from RMA. Guidance text explains official processes in plain language.

RMA — Statements of Principles

This is a guide onlyThis information is a free guide. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or financial advice. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.

When you are readyBuild your evidence checklist

Erectile Dysfunction

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