Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2009

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service acoustic trauma.,The Veteran has a current prostate condition that is at least as likely as not related to his service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been due to service, including herbicide exposure. The Board finds that the Veteran has current peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and erectile dysfunction that are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is manifested by impotency without visible deformity of the penis due to service-connected cause. He is currently in receipt of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of a creative organ, and thus receives compensation for loss of erectile power.

The Veteran's service-connected erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes mellitus, are reasonably shown to be of such nature and severity as to preclude him from participating in any regular substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction has been denied as there is no evidence of penile deformity, which is required for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 70%, meeting the minimum schedular criteria for TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). However, his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to their severity alone.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. However, the evidence does not support a finding that ED is related to his service or any service-connected condition.

The Board denied service connection for prostate disorder, erectile dysfunction, and tinnitus. The claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and bilateral hearing loss were also denied. New and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for an etiological opinion regarding his detached retina and hearing loss, as well as issues related to his diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and peripheral arterial disease has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetic retinopathy, and erectile dysfunction as they are not related to service or secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected erectile dysfunction and testicular pain.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he is satisfied with the 20 percent rating awarded for residuals of a cervical spine fracture.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs or protect himself from the hazards of his environment, such that he requires the regular aid and attendance of another person. He does not have loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet or hands, nor ankylosis of one or both knees or hips due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is eligible for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing and necessary adaptive equipment due to his service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and CVA.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were withdrawn at a hearing. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder with psychotic features was dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the initial evaluations for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the creative organ, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease with hypertension, and service connection for diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for genitourinary and gastrointestinal disabilities, as well as other conditions, have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims.