Body system: Genitourinary SystemRegulation: 38 CFR § 4.115bDBQ: DBQ GU Male Reproductive Organ
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.