Testicular cancer is a surprisingly common health concern for veterans, affecting about 9,760 individuals in the United States each year. The physical and emotional toll of this diagnosis can be significant, and veterans with service-connected testicular cancer deserve proper compensation for their condition.
Here, we’ll explore the Department of Veteran Affairs’s (VA) disability rating system for testicular cancer to help you understand what benefits you might be entitled to.
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is a malignancy that forms in one or both testicles. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Common symptoms include a lump in the testicle, a change in testicle size or firmness, and pain or discomfort in the scrotum. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
The exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown, but certain risk factors, like a family history of the disease, can increase your chances of developing it.
How Testicular Cancer Affects Veterans
- Exposure to chemicals and agents: Exposure to Agent Orange (Vietnam Era) and other herbicides, depleted uranium, and certain chemicals used in military settings are suspected to elevate cancer risks.
- Environmental factors: Extreme heat, ionizing radiation (from medical procedures or nuclear weapons), and other harsh environmental conditions sometimes encountered in service might be contributing factors.
- Physical factors: The external location of the testicles makes them more vulnerable to physical trauma, potentially impacting cancer development (though a direct link requires more research).
Other risk factors include:
- Undescended testicles: If one or both testicles fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum during fetal development, it can increase the risk of testicular cancer.
- Klinefelter syndrome: This genetic condition can increase your risk of testicular cancer.
- HIV infection: Men with HIV are at a slightly higher risk of developing testicular cancer.
Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the affected testicle(s), followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy in some cases. Fortunately, testicular cancer has very high cure rates when detected early.
Types of Testicular Cancer
While understanding the general risk factors and treatment options is helpful, familiarizing yourself with the different types of testicular cancer can also be beneficial.
There are two main types of testicular cancer:
- Germ cell tumors are the most common type, making up over 90% of testicular cancers. They start in the sperm-producing cells.
- Seminomas grow and spread more slowly than other germ cell tumors.
- Non-seminomas are typically more aggressive and can spread more rapidly. They’re further sub-categorized into various types, including embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma.
- Stromal tumors are less common, accounting for less than 5% of testicular cancers. They develop from the supportive tissues of the testicles.
- Leydig cell tumors start in the cells that make testosterone.
- Sertoli cell tumors grow in cells that help sperm development.
VA Disability Ratings for Testicular Cancer
The VA uses a rating schedule to determine disability compensation for veterans with service-connected conditions. Testicular cancer falls under Diagnostic Code 7528 within this schedule.
Upon diagnosis of testicular cancer, the VA assigns a 100% disability rating. This rating lasts for six months following the completion of treatment. This acknowledges the significant impact of initial treatment and recovery.
However, the impact of testicular cancer can extend beyond the initial treatment phase. Many veterans experience lingering effects, or “residual conditions,” such as fertility issues, hormonal imbalances, or psychological distress.
The VA considers these residual effects when determining your ongoing disability rating after the initial six-month period.
The severity of your residual conditions directly impacts your disability rating percentage. For instance, veterans with chronic pain or difficulty fathering children might receive a higher disability rating than those without such residual conditions.
The Bottom Line
The VA offers resources and support to help veterans deal with testicular cancer, including information on the disability claims process. A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can assist you with the claims process, ensure you have the necessary documentation, and answer any questions you may have.
If you’re a veteran with testicular cancer, the Veterans Service Officers at the American Legion or VFW can be a valuable first point of contact. They offer free assistance with navigating the VA claims process.
If you’ve been denied benefits or need help with an appeal, Cameron Firm, PC can help. We understand the complexities of the VA disability system and can advocate for your rights. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options.
Remember, you’re not alone in this process. Resources and support are available to help you through every step.
Here are some helpful resources to get you started:
- VA Disability Benefits for Cancer: https://www.va.gov/disability/
- National Veterans Legal Services Program: https://www.nvlsp.org/
- American Legion: https://www.legion.org/
- Veterans of Foreign Wars: https://www.vfw.org/
