Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The initial rating for diabetes was not granted, chronic otitis externa did not warrant a compensable rating, the lumbar spine disability received an increased rating but remained at 20 percent, cervical spine disorder, bilateral hip disorder, knee disorder, ankle disorder, kidney disorder (hypertension), heart disorder (hypertension), erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities were not granted service connection. The Veteran's diabetes was rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's prostate cancer and related residuals, including erectile dysfunction. The issues are inextricably intertwined and must be addressed together.

The Board has granted a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's social and occupational impairment is more nearly approximates deficiencies in most areas than total impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, to include as secondary to shell fragment wound residuals, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and prostate cancer is being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to be secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus II, and thus granted service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not related to his service-connected PTSD or medications taken for it, and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on his service-connected disabilities, including left arm brachial plexopathy, hypothyroidism, and erectile dysfunction, were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a service connection for erectile dysfunction and insufficient evidence to support higher disability ratings for his left knee gonoarthritis with scars, right knee instability, and right knee osteoarthritis.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with various conditions, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction. The Board finds that these diagnoses are related to his service due to the presumption of herbicide exposure for veterans who served in Vietnam.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disorder during service and denied the claim. Bilateral hearing loss was not shown to be related to service or noise exposure, as there is no current disability meeting VA's definition of hearing loss. Diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and ED were also not linked to service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was granted, but the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction and an increased rating for lumbar spine disability remains denied.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the Veteran's erectile dysfunction, which is considered a penile deformity with loss of erectile power. The Veteran's gynecomastia was separately evaluated and remains under appeal.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, finding no evidence of these conditions during active service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not related to his military service.,The Board also denied service connection for erectile dysfunction and a bilateral foot disability (residuals of frostbite), noting the absence of any in-service diagnosis or treatment.

The Board granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and TDIU, but denied an earlier effective date and a compensable rating. The Veteran's combined disability rating was 70% prior to November 17, 2003.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction was denied as there is no evidence of penile deformity, and the assigned ratings adequately compensate his disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions and records. The claim will be considered on a direct basis as well as potentially on a secondary basis if service connection is granted or appealed for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to have started during service and is granted as service connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address issues of service connection and effective dates, as well as a sleep apnea examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone has prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since February 26, 2010. Additionally, the combination of his service-connected disabilities (including PTSD) has resulted in a combined schedular rating of 70 percent effective February 26, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension and erectile dysfunction, have been granted. He is also granted SMC at the housebound rate.,Initial ratings of 20 percent each for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are granted.