Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2010

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities and erectile dysfunction are not causally or etiologically related to his active duty service, nor may they be presumed to be incurred in or aggravated by such service. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is linked to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that a new VA medical examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's erectile dysfunction, as it may be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran will need to undergo another VA examination and provide any additional information necessary for this process.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the initial rating for erectile dysfunction and increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities before a decision was made by the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to an 80% rating, but the Board finds that they do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected depression. The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right inguinal herniorrhaphy residuals is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for Hepatitis C, Erectile Dysfunction, and Diabetes Mellitus. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected diabetes mellitus, Type II.,Both VA examinations concluded that the Veteran's hypertension was less likely as not caused by or the result of his service-connected DM II.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an opinion on whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, and to provide proper VCAA notification regarding the SMC portion of his claim.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as he had not been found unemployable prior to December 1, 2004. The Veteran's claim for increased rating of chronic neck pain with radicular symptoms down the right arm is dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Board has granted restoration of service connection for renal dysfunction and episodes of congestive heart failure with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected hypertension.

The Board has granted apportionment of the Veteran's compensation benefits on behalf of his dependent parent and also determined that the appellant's apportionment is subject to recoupment due to the receipt of disability severance pay.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his combined rating of 60 percent. However, the Board found that there is no evidence demonstrating he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The VA determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED to the RO for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board concludes that the probative evidence of record is against this claim.

The Board found that the RO's May 1, 2003 rating decision did not commit clear and unmistakable error in failing to adjudicate a claim for special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s)(1) by reason of being housebound. The Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for this benefit based on his disability evaluations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a VA examination to address his chronic hypertension and erectile dysfunction, as well as consideration of service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.310(a).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for varicose veins, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for additional development.