Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2016

The Board has granted service connection for Meniere's disease and denied the claim for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of service connection for erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, residuals of a left hemisphere stroke, lower extremity gout, and thyroid disorder. As such, there are no remaining questions to be decided by the Board.

The Board has restored service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the RO's severance of service connection was not valid due to procedural errors and lack of evidence establishing clear and unmistakable error.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations have been remanded and will be reconsidered in light of the effective dates granted for his service-connected multiple sclerosis.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and MDD have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, social relations, and mood. The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with MDD effective from April 30, 2008.

The Veteran's left leg radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent since October 22, 2009 and denied for an increased rating. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, increased ratings for various disabilities, and entitlement to automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment. The issues are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and depression may be related to VA treatment, but further evidence is needed to determine if negligence or lack of proper skill by VA caused these conditions.

The Veteran is granted a separate 40 percent rating for urinary frequency secondary to diabetes mellitus, effective from the date of the decision. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's nephrolithiasis has been rated at 30 percent since October 25, 2005. The Board finds that the Veteran met the schedular criteria for consideration of TDIU from October 25, 2005 to February 8, 2006, and from September 1, 2006 to July 21, 2011, and from September 30, 2011 to August 29, 2012. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in unemployability during these periods.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claims. The Veteran was also denied entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities and ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted, and he is now eligible for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The diabetes mellitus, type II, along with other service-connected conditions such as peripheral neuropathy and Dupuytren's contracture, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an opinion on his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is currently at 80 percent, which meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities combine to render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for cervical spine disability, bilateral ankle, knee, hip, wrist, and elbow disabilities have been withdrawn.,Service connection is being remanded for diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing and will not make a decision on the merits until all necessary actions are taken.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities were not incurred or aggravated during his military service, and thus cannot be granted service connection based on direct service connection. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus type II, were not supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure, but granted service connection for hypertensive heart disease. Other claims were either not addressed or denied.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on March 10, 2012 were reimbursed as the emergency treatment was provided for a service-connected disability (chronic kidney disease and heart problems).