Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for erectile dysfunction is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease (IHD), tinnitus, right leg neuropathy, left leg neuropathy, hemorrhoids, scleroderma, left eyebrow scar, and erectile dysfunction (ED) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for anemia was dismissed due to failure to file a timely appeal.,Service connection for hypertension has been granted, with the condition having its onset in service and being secondary to hypertension medication use. The issue of service connection for erectile dysfunction is also granted as it is secondary to hypertension.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea was not addressed due to a lack of substantive appeal, and his claim for an increased rating for pulmonary sarcoidosis remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate cancer is related to herbicide exposure during service, and his erectile dysfunction and incontinence are secondary to his prostate cancer. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's bilateral knee conditions and erectile dysfunction, as well as their relationship to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IHD and type II diabetes mellitus are related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, which is presumed for Vietnam Era veterans. The neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and erectile dysfunction have not been addressed by the Board.

The Veteran's sciatic nerve impairment of the right lower extremity is rated at 10 percent, erectile dysfunction and bladder impairment are each rated at 10 percent. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating or separate ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 19, 2010. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction. The evidence did not show a causal relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further consideration due to outstanding medical records and the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and alcohol abuse prior to May 9, 2013, warrants a disability rating of 70 percent. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction requires insulin and a restricted diet but does not require regulation of activities.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. The evidence did not support ratings higher than the currently assigned 20 percent ratings for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the relationship between erectile dysfunction and service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board denied an increased rating. The issue of separate compensable ratings for radiculopathy affecting his bilateral lower extremities was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and determining whether any of the appellant's claimed disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, bilateral lower and upper extremities or erectile dysfunction. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction, back disability, and right leg numbness are not found to be due to VA care or treatment. The Board finds that the evidence does not establish a cause and effect relationship between the Veteran's surgery and his additional disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction. The dental disability issue is pending and will be addressed after any necessary additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and counseling evaluation folder. The inextricably intertwined psychiatric disorder claim will also be adjudicated.