Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and ED have been granted. The initial rating for PTSD is set at 30 percent effective September 25, 2008. The initial compensable rating for ED was assigned as of November 13, 2003.

The veteran's claim for service connection for his health conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its related complications, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The case will be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for initial consideration.

The veteran is service connected for several conditions and meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently diagnosed erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities, hypertension, and coronary artery disease are caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. As such, these conditions have been granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and a compensable initial evaluation for the right upper extremity.,The veteran was granted separate compensable ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, but not for the right upper extremity.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and thus grants a TDIU.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic nephropathy and an initial compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction associated with his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy, and there is no penile deformity or removal to warrant a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that the veteran's erectile dysfunction is not caused by or related to his service-connected PTSD, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for coronary artery disease and erectile dysfunction, as well as his claim for service connection for hypertension. The veteran was granted a noncompensable rating for erectile dysfunction due to his diabetes mellitus.

The veteran's increased rating claims for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as erectile dysfunction, have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of these issues from appeal.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 10 percent prior to May 26, 2006 and increased to 20 percent from that date.,The current evaluations for the veteran's diabetes mellitus do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied an increased disability rating for service-connected erectile dysfunction, finding that the veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as there was no evidence of penile deformity.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's ED is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD medication.

The Board found that there was no additional disability or death resulting from VA medical treatment in February 2004 for erectile dysfunction, loss of polyps, and left leg mobility. The veteran's claims were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for erectile dysfunction, diabetic neuropathy and documented arterial hypertension, as well as his claim for a higher rate of SMC due to loss of use of a creative organ. The veteran's diabetes mellitus type II was also not granted an increased evaluation.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, with mild retinopathy and erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 20 percent. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not require regulation of activities.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not related to his military service, and the evidence does not support reopening of any previously denied claim.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including sinus and vision disorders, as well as skin disorders presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure. Service connection was also denied for erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the veteran's erectile dysfunction was caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus or psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia with PTSD). Therefore, the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted.

The veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction requires the use of insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, and a restricted diet but does not require avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities. The claim for a higher initial rating is granted.