Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2014

The Veteran's prostate disorder and erectile dysfunction were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty military service, and the Board found that new evidence was submitted to reopen his claims. However, there is no credible evidence of herbicide exposure during service, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including the issuance of a statement of the case and scheduling of a Board hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and erectile dysfunction as secondary to diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Baptist Medical Center from June 1, 2011 to June 8, 2011 are now covered by VA as the treatment was for a medical emergency and no other VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings and TDIU due to lack of evidence showing an earlier effective date for service connection.

The Veteran is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities since November 1, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for depression and erectile dysfunction/deformity related to removal, replacement, and subsequent removal of a penile prosthesis performed at VA are denied as there is no additional disability found.

The Board denied service connection for erectile dysfunction and hypertension, finding no evidence of a relationship to service or service-connected conditions.,A skin disorder claim was also denied.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the evaluation of prostate adenocarcinoma from 100 percent to 20 percent effective February 1, 2011 is improper due to a lack of evidence showing actual improvement and an appropriate determination regarding the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Veteran's total erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence following the January 2007 urethroplasty and IPP removal at VA are granted as a qualifying additional disability under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the case due to a missed hearing, and no specific rating or effective date is provided.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II with erectile dysfunction is rated at 60 percent, the highest available rating under VA guidelines. The TDIU claim was denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for allergic conjunctivitis and pterygium have been withdrawn. The remaining claims of increased rating for hearing loss, service connection for hyperlipidemia, and loss of use of a creative organ (erectile dysfunction) are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the right knee disability claim, and that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to herbicide exposure was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish herbicide exposure and that diabetes mellitus was not shown to be related to service. Service connection for erectile dysfunction was also denied as there is no clear medical evidence linking it to service or any other condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of proof regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure in Vietnam. The claims for service connection will be reconsidered based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease with erectile dysfunction was denied as VA is precluded, as a matter of law, from granting an effective date prior to January 25, 2010.

The Veteran's traumatic brain injury and obstructive sleep apnea are found to be service-connected. The PTSD is assigned a 50% disability rating, the left knee and right knee conditions are each rated at 10%, the shoulder strains are not service-connected, the wrist condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating, the spine strain is rated at 10%, the ankle strains do not warrant a higher rating, the hiatal hernia with GERD is rated at 10%, and the headaches are assigned a 30% disability rating. The Veteran's hypertension, DVT, restless leg syndrome, IBS, erectile dysfunction, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease are each rated at 10%.

The Veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred in service or due to herbicide exposure. The Board found no evidence of Vietnam service and the appellant could not provide any records of alleged exposure.

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's appeal for SMC based on aid and attendance. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is granted as it relates to his service-connected pain disorder.