Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2011

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected erectile dysfunction does not warrant a compensable disability rating, and his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated at 20 percent. The appeal for increased ratings was denied.

The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for tinnitus and sleep apnea, but denied his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence within the time frame. The claim for erectile dysfunction was not adjudicated as it is related to a clothing allowance or fee dispute.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for cervical and lumbar degenerative changes, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher evaluation under either the old or new rating criteria.

The Veteran's prostate disorder (BPH) and erectile dysfunction were not incurred in or aggravated by service, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The Board found no nexus between the disabilities and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for entitlement to compensation benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for loss of left testicle and service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted for his claim for loss of left testicle and concluding that erectile dysfunction was not caused or made worse by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran was granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. The low back disorder is also service connected.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction (claimed as secondary to diabetes mellitus) has been established.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction based on aggravation by the service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim to reopen a previously denied service connection claim for osteoarthritis of wrists and hands was not supported by new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case to consider whether informed consent was provided prior to penile prosthesis surgery, and to provide full notice regarding informed consent.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to be caused by or aggravated by the medications he takes for his service-connected PTSD, and thus secondary service connection is granted.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for diabetes mellitus type II is denied as the evidence does not show that his condition requires regulation of activities due to diabetes.

The Board found that the Veteran's genitourinary disability, claimed as gonorrhea, urethritis, and/or erectile dysfunction, did not arise during service or due to a disease or injury incurred therein. The bilateral pes planus was noted prior to service and did not increase in severity during active military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The remaining claims will be remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's post prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate is rated at a 40 percent disability evaluation, effective December 19, 2006. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not compensable.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in his requiring assistance with a number of his activities of daily living (ADLs) and require care or assistance on a regular basis to protect himself from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment, warranting SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's claimed disabilities to his military service, and thus denied all of his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for erectile dysfunction has been denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, retinopathy, and erectile dysfunction are presumed to be related to his military service due to exposure to herbicides. The Veteran does not have hypothyroidism or retinopathy as a result of his service.

The VA did not cause the Veteran's additional disability, and any existing conditions were not caused by carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill in the surgeries performed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and depression were denied. The right knee disorder rating was also denied. No effective date earlier than October 15, 2004, is granted for the 20% rating of the right knee. There is no evidence to support compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for pneumothorax.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected PTSD. The case will be returned for a VA examination and opinion.