Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2007

The veteran's erectile dysfunction, related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, results in loss of use of a creative organ. The Board finds the evidence supports entitlement to special monthly compensation based on this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ are not warranted, as there is no evidence of an informal claim prior to February 2002.

The veteran's claims for an initial compensable disability rating for erectile dysfunction and a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) due to loss of use of a creative organ were granted by the RO in Providence, Rhode Island. The appeal is remanded for scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The SMC claim will also be reconsidered as it may affect the final determination of the secondary service connection claim.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and lower back shrapnel fragments, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left hand and erectile dysfunction, as there is no evidence of these conditions during or following his military service.

The veteran withdrew his appeal on several issues related to disability ratings for different conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a loss of use of a creative organ as a result of active service or a service-connected disability, and his erectile dysfunction is not directly related to service. Therefore, the claims for service connection and special monthly compensation are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and erectile dysfunction, finding that there was no direct or secondary service connection based on the lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.,For PTSD, the appeal is pending in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in order to make a decision on the veteran's claims for service connection and SMC. This includes obtaining private and VA treatment records, including urology evaluations and reports, surgical procedures (TURP), cystoscopy reports, and pathology records. The RO will also obtain medical opinions from a VA urologist regarding the nature and etiology of the veteran's erectile dysfunction.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus does not require insulin or the regulation of activities, and thus a higher rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.

The Board denied service connection for erectile dysfunction, but granted service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) as secondary to the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.,Coronary artery disease was found to be aggravated by the veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction, finding that there was no evidence of penile deformity with loss of erectile power.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of his claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's erectile dysfunction is not secondary to his service-connected PTSD and therefore, does not warrant a separate rating. The VA examiner could not provide an opinion without resorting to mere speculation regarding whether the medication used for PTSD caused the erectile dysfunction. The veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling due to occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency.

The veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and increased rating for tinnitus were denied as he is already receiving the maximum disability rating available for his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, and an initial compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received from the veteran and the need for additional examinations. The claims of increased rating for urethritis and secondary service connection for ED are pending.

The veteran is entitled to payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the Silliman University Medical Center from September 13, 1998, to September 16, 1998. The other issues were denied.