Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for erectile dysfunction and fecal incontinence have been denied as entitlement to service connection did not arise until August 20, 2007 for erectile dysfunction and December 31, 2007 for fecal incontinence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, vascular problems and erectile dysfunction, all claimed as secondary to herbicide exposure. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or a link between these conditions and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU based on service-connected disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or TDIU status.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development to determine his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, effective January 27, 2005. The post-operative residuals of prostate cancer are rated at 10 percent prior to August 26, 2005 and 20 percent thereafter. Erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's hypertension is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board finds that there is no link between the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) that he claims is secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that further development, including obtaining pertinent VA and non-VA treatment records, is needed before the claim can be adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and erectile dysfunction due to insufficient development, including a need for clarification of the May 2004 VA examiner's opinion regarding their relationship to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeals of the denials of service connection for hypertension and hyperlipidemia have been withdrawn. The Board finds that there is no current evidence to support a finding of service connection for any of the remaining conditions listed.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection and special monthly compensation were denied as there is no legal basis to assign an earlier date.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, depressive disorder, and ED.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to the severity of his symptoms. The evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction since May 13, 2001 is denied as there is no evidence of a penile deformity.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions regarding his disabilities, particularly those related to vision impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's service records do not show in-country duty or visitation in Vietnam. Prostate cancer and its residuals, including incontinence and erectile dysfunction, were initially demonstrated years after service and have not been shown to be causally related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his exposure to herbicides in Thailand, which may affect his diabetes mellitus and related conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and peripheral neuropathy, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring special home adaptation.