Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2003

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent, and he has separate ratings of 20 percent for each lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The erectile dysfunction associated with the diabetes mellitus is also separately rated.

The Board granted the veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities and erectile dysfunction, with a rating of 20 percent for each condition.

The veteran's erectile dysfunction due to testicular atrophy is granted as service-connected. The veteran's PTSD, which is also service-connected, warrants a 50 percent disability rating. The veteran meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service connection for hypertension, prostate cancer residuals, and erectile dysfunction as a residual of a prostectomy was granted. The rating for prostate cancer residuals was increased to 10 percent effective February 29, 2000.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus and SMC for loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction due to radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer due to Agent Orange exposure, finding that his disability did not warrant a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7522.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for PTSD from June 14, 2001. The veteran's service-connected PTSD affects him to such an extent that he experiences total occupational and social impairment.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and to cure a procedural defect. The RO must ensure all VCAA notice obligations have been satisfied, provide the veteran with an orthopedic examination, and readjudicate the issues on appeal.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification of the evidence. The case is now remanded for several actions, including obtaining medical records from the VA Medical Center in Montgomery, Alabama, and scheduling the veteran for various examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected atrophy of the right testicle with loss of function does not warrant a compensable disability rating. The claim for erectile dysfunction was remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of an injury to his penis, finding that there is no evidence linking any current disability to service. The issue of PTSD was also addressed and granted.

The Board found that the veteran's erectile dysfunction was not established as a consequence of the July 2, 1996 surgery at VA medical facility. The evidence did not establish additional disability resulting from the procedure.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a pulmonary disorder, glaucoma with cataracts, and erectile dysfunction. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional development regarding the veteran's participation in Project SHAD.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected erectile dysfunction does not warrant an initial compensable evaluation, and his PTSD is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling. The appeal for a higher rating for PTSD is denied.

The veteran has been granted service connection for fatigue and a skin rash as chronic disabilities resulting from an undiagnosed illness due to service in the Southwest Asia theater during the Persian Gulf War. The examiner found that these symptoms are related to undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's case is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for skin rash and the evaluation of diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction from April 23, 2002 are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and determined that the veteran's current erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depression. The issue of a higher rating for hepatitis B and C remains on appeal.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues listed on the front page of this decision.

The case is being remanded for further development and examination to determine the validity of the veteran's claims, including a left shoulder disability, erectile dysfunction, and headache disorder.