Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for erectile dysfunction and a 10 percent evaluation based on multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus did not require insulin and a restricted diet prior to July 14, 2015. He has not required more than two doses of insulin per day or a restricted diet resulting in episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia requiring hospitalization.,Prior to April 13, 2007, the Veteran's disability picture relative to his diabetes did not include peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. There was no evidence of weakness or impaired reflexes.,From April 13, 2007 to June 18, 2009, the Veteran's disability picture relative to his diabetes consisted of numbness in his toes which would come and go and occasional leg pain, with nothing rising to the level of mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,From June 18, 2009 to September 20, 2012, the Veteran's disability picture relative to his diabetes consisted of peripheral neuropathy that was no more than mild in each leg. After September 20, 2012, the Veteran's disability picture relative to his diabetes consisted of moderate peripheral neuropathy in each leg.,The Veteran's hypertension has not resulted in blood pressure readings predominantly higher than 160 systolic or 100 diastolic.,The Veteran's service-connected erectile dysfunction does not include actual or approximated deformity of the penis or testicles.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pulmonary fibrosis and erectile dysfunction are causally related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea, as well as other issues related to his disabilities. The decision also noted that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to a request for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, cataracts and erectile dysfunction did not require regulation of activities. The disability is currently rated 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7913.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. The issues include seeking increased disability ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain any form of substantially gainful employment since October 13, 2009. Prior to that date, he was still employed as a truck driver.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and initial rating for peyronie's disease with erectile dysfunction was granted. However, the claims for an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, DM, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hand neuropathy. The VA examiner found that the Veteran did not have COPD or DM during his active duty service and that any current diagnoses are more likely due to post-service factors.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for service connected epididymitis with varicosities and erectile dysfunction remains in appellate status. The Board found that the Veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for his service-connected epididymitis, but he is entitled to SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ due to his erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran is granted specially adapted housing due to multiple service-connected disabilities, including the loss or use of the left lower extremity and residuals of organic disease/injury affecting balance and propulsion. The issue of a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's chronic sleep disability and erectile dysfunction have not been found to be directly related to service or any other compensable condition. The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to be at least as likely as not caused by or related to the medication used for his service-connected hypertension. As a result, service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted. Additionally, entitlement to SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ is also granted.

The Veteran's combined evaluation of service-connected disabilities is 90 percent, meeting the threshold requirement for TDIU.,His gastritis is rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, and headaches due to TBI were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including Type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, chloracne, and coral burns with infection to the elbows. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service exposure to herbicides or other chemical agents.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise and affords the Veteran the benefit of the doubt, granting service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and erectile dysfunction have rendered him unemployable for the periods from December 20, 2009 to December 20, 2015, and from March 1, 2016 onward. A Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is granted during these periods.