Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is likely related to his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for this condition as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's tarsal tunnel syndrome and erectile dysfunction have been evaluated, but the current ratings do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, and a low back disorder. The claims were withdrawn by the Veteran in October 2011. Service connection was denied for hypertension due to lack of evidence linking it to service or any other condition. Service connection was also denied for a low back disorder due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and erectile dysfunction, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain records from St. Luke's Hospital and to provide the Veteran with VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed GERD, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an opinion on whether the Veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction are aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his diabetes disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA treatment records and scheduling a VA aid and attendance examination.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction on a presumptive basis due to his exposure to herbicides during service. Service connection was denied for hypertension.

The Veteran is unable to find or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, with the exception of October 12, 2010 when he received a 100% rating. The issue is now moot after that date.

The Board found that the Veteran's current erectile dysfunction was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not caused or aggravated by any service-connected disability, including diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since January 31, 2012. Prior to that date, his disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following such employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and determine the etiology of his prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for the overpayment of pension debt, finding no fault on VA's part and that repayment would create undue hardship.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for hearings on his claims of service connection for GERD and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, cervical spine disorder, heart condition, digestive disorder, thyroid disorder (secondary to herbicide exposure), and erectile dysfunction is granted. Service connection for PTSD has an effective date of July 7, 2004. The right knee disability remains rated at 10 percent.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of left ear hearing loss due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The remaining issues have been addressed, and the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are evaluated appropriately.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is aggravated by his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the claim of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for service-connected residuals of prostate cancer prior to December 1, 2009, and in excess of 60 percent thereafter. The remaining claims of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, and entitlement to service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee are addressed.