Female-Specific VA Disability Claims That Are Often Overlooked

By: Jennifer Mitchell, Case Manager Coordinator

As we recognize Women Veterans Day on June 12, we want to take a moment to highlight several VA disability claims that are unique to women veterans and are frequently overlooked. Many women veterans may be entitled to compensation for conditions related to their military service but may not realize these benefits are available.

Our VA-accredited advocates are committed to helping veterans identify both direct and secondary service-connected conditions to ensure they receive every benefit they have earned through their service.

Gynecological Conditions and Residuals

Female veterans may qualify for VA disability compensation for gynecological conditions, reproductive health issues, or cancers that began during military service and continue to affect them today. Compensation may also be available for residual conditions resulting from treatment, surgery, or childbirth that occurred during service.

In some cases, service-connected mental health conditions or medications prescribed to treat those conditions may contribute to secondary gynecological or sexual health issues that may also be eligible for compensation.

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) may develop as a result of a service-connected disability or as a side effect of medications prescribed to treat a service-connected condition.

Female veterans experiencing any of the following symptoms should consider discussing them with their advocate or case manager to determine whether a VA claim may be appropriate:

• Reduced desire or interest in sexual activity
• Pain or discomfort during intercourse
• Reduced sensation in the genitals or other sensitive areas
• Decreased physical response, including reduced lubrication, swelling, or blood flow

While the VA typically assigns a 0% disability rating for FSAD, female veterans may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-K) for loss of use of a creative organ. This benefit currently provides an additional monthly payment and may be awarded even when the underlying condition receives a non-compensable rating.

Breast Conditions

The VA may provide compensation for a variety of service-connected breast conditions, including:

• Mastectomy or other breast surgeries
• Malignant breast neoplasms (breast cancer)
• Residual scarring, pain, or functional impairment resulting from treatment

Endometriosis

Endometriosis may be compensable when symptoms result in ongoing impairment, including:

• Lesions involving the bowel or bladder
• Pelvic pain or heavy, irregular bleeding not controlled by treatment
• Pelvic pain or heavy, irregular bleeding requiring continuous treatment for control

Reproductive Organ Conditions

Female veterans may also qualify for compensation related to conditions affecting the reproductive organs, including:

• Ovarian disease, adhesions, or removal of an ovary
• Uterine disease, adhesions, or removal of the uterus
• Fallopian tube disease or adhesions, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Pelvic organ prolapse resulting from injury, disease, or pregnancy-related surgical complications
• Rectovaginal or urethrovaginal fistulas

Don’t Overlook Secondary Conditions

Many female veterans focus on their primary service-connected disabilities while overlooking secondary conditions that may also qualify for compensation. Conditions involving reproductive health, sexual function, chronic pain, mental health, or surgical residuals can significantly affect quality of life and may warrant additional benefits.

You Served. You’ve Earned This.

Female veterans are among the most underserved when it comes to VA benefits — not because the benefits don’t exist, but because too few people are talking about them. If anything in this article sounds familiar, it’s worth a conversation.

Veterans Help Group is the most trusted VA disability advocacy group in the country. Our accredited advocates offer free case evaluations with no obligation. Call us at 855-855-8992 or CLICK HERE to find out what you may be owed. There’s no cost to find out where you stand.

This article was written and fact checked by Jennifer Mitchell, Case Manager Coordinator at Veterans Help Group

Jennifer Mitchell brings extensive knowledge of VA disability claims and benefits to her work as a Case Manager Coordinator at Veterans Help Group. With a deep understanding of the claims process and the unique challenges veterans face, she works directly with veterans and their families to ensure no benefit goes unclaimed. The information in this article reflects her hands-on experience navigating the VA system on behalf of the veterans she serves every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a VA claim for a gynecological condition that developed after I left the military?

Yes, in many cases. If the condition began during service or is connected to something that happened during service, including a physical injury, surgery, or a mental health condition, you may still be eligible for compensation. The key is establishing a service connection, which is something our advocates can help you build.

I already have a VA disability rating. Can I still file for additional conditions?

Absolutely. Having an existing rating doesn’t prevent you from filing for additional service-connected conditions. Many veterans are underrated or missing claims entirely. A free case evaluation can help identify what you may have overlooked.

Is there a deadline to file for these benefits?

There’s no general expiration date on VA disability claims, you can file at any point after separation. However, the date you file affects when your benefits begin, so there’s a real financial advantage to filing sooner rather than later.

Disabled Veteran Resources:

• Free VA Disability Guidebooks
• VFW SSDI Qualifications Questionnaire
• Most Commonly Approved VA Disability Claims
• VA Disability Calculator: See What You Could Be Owed!