Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his diabetes mellitus was denied, and he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities are rated at 40 percent each, effective August 10, 2016.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 40 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding no evidence of ED during or immediately after service and no link to a service-connected condition. The appeal is dismissed as prostate cancer was not appealed.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and granted a rating in excess of 50 percent for adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression. Service connection was denied for ED, GERD, OSA, a GI disorder, and a sleep disorder (other than OSA). The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of claim. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran has been granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of his creative organ due to erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for coronary artery disease and penile deformity with erectile dysfunction were denied. The Veteran was not granted a rating higher than the initial 60 percent assigned for his CAD, as there was no evidence of chronic congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction less than 30 percent. For his erectile dysfunction, he did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities or medical treatment received for those conditions and his erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure all relevant evidence is considered before deciding the Veteran's claims. This includes obtaining private treatment records from specific providers and considering whether staged ratings are appropriate.

The Board has reopened the claims for prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction, but denied both conditions as not related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds it does not warrant a higher rating.,Prior to April 26, 2014, the Veteran's prostate cancer residuals were rated at 40 percent. From that date forward, he is rated at 60 percent. The Board finds these ratings are appropriate based on his symptoms and treatment needs.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not warrant a compensable rating as it can be managed with medication.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran's Paget's disease to service or exposure to herbicides, thus denying service connection for this condition.,While there is some medical opinion suggesting a possible link between the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability and his active duty service, the Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support such a finding.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to his PTSD and diabetes, as he is capable of substantially gainful employment with some instruction and oversight.

The Veteran's depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating. The issues of increased ratings for type II diabetes mellitus with hypertension and erectile dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy with cataracts are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a direct link between the claimed conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction have been granted service connection, with the latter being secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and erectile dysfunction render him in need of regular aid and attendance, with the Board resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of records.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination and medical nexus opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's erectile dysfunction. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for right cervical sensorimotor radiculopathy and found that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, specifically whether his use of PTSD medications and other service-connected conditions contribute to his condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and retrieval of pertinent treatment records.