Body system: Genitourinary SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.115b
Testicular removal (orchiectomy) is the surgical removal of one or both testes, performed for malignancy (testicular cancer, prostate cancer hormone deprivation), severe infection or trauma with non-viable tissue, torsion with delayed treatment, and other indications. The VA rates this condition under 38 CFR § 4.115b: 30% for removal of BOTH testes, 0% for removal of ONE testis. A special rule (Note 1) gives the 30% rating when the service-connected loss of one testis is combined with non-service-related absence or non-functioning of the other testis, provided neither side is congenitally undeveloped. In addition to the schedular rating, loss of one or both testes qualifies for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) under 38 USC 1114(k).
Rating levels
- 30% — You qualify for 30% if BOTH testes have been surgically removed (bilateral orchiectomy). Removal eliminates testosterone production and spermatogenesis. The 30% schedular rating is paid IN ADDITION to SMC-K (see note below).
- 0% — You qualify for 0% if ONE testis has been surgically removed with the other still functional. This is a non-compensable schedular rating, but loss of use of a creative organ still qualifies for SMC-K (see note below). See also the CFR Note for a special case where 30% applies even with one testis removed.
- -1% — This Note covers a specific situation: you had ONE testis removed because of a service-connected injury or disease, AND the OTHER testis is absent or non-functional for reasons NOT related to service (such as a congenital condition you had before service, or an unrelated medical condition that developed later). In that situation, you receive the full 30% rating — the same as if both testes had been removed in service. This rule does NOT apply if the missing or non-functional 'other' testis was undescended or congenitally undeveloped, because the VA does not treat that as a ratable disability.
- -1% — Removal of even ONE testis (otherwise rated 0% on the schedule) qualifies for SMC-K — a separate flat monthly payment under 38 USC 1114(k) for loss of use of a creative organ. SMC-K is paid IN ADDITION to whatever schedular rating you have (it does not replace it). SMC-K applies to BOTH the 0% (one testis) and 30% (both testes) tiers — file for SMC-K with the rating claim. The 2026 SMC-K rate is published in the SMC reference.