Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2017

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction. The appeal regarding type II diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, an eye condition, hyperlipidemia, and obesity is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not related to service or his service-connected varicose veins, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 5, 2003.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a multi-symptom disability including fatigue, increased muscle enzymes, chronic body pain, muscle cramps, stiffness, cold intolerance, and constipation was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction (ED) as there were no indications of penile deformity or loss of erectile power.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for CTS of the right wrist, left wrist, and hypothyroidism with cold intolerance and constipation was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for ED as there were no indications of penile deformity or loss of erectile power.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for CTS of the right wrist, left wrist, and hypothyroidism with cold intolerance and constipation was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for ED as there were no indications of penile deformity or loss of erectile power.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for CTS of the right wrist, left wrist, and hypothyroidism with cold intolerance and constipation was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for ED as there were no indications of penile deformity or loss of erectile power.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for CTS of the right wrist, left wrist, and hypothyroidism with cold intolerance and constipation was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for ED as there were no indications of penile deformity or loss of erectile power.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for CTS of the right wrist, left wrist, and hypothyroidism with cold intolerance and constipation was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for ED as there were no indications of penile deformity or loss of erectile power.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, but granted his claims for erectile dysfunction and hypertension. The decision did not address his PTSD or provide a rating assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board hearing by live videoconference. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling the requested hearing.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The prostate disorder and skin disorder are not found to be related to the in-service herbicide exposure or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 15, 2011. Prior to that date, the Board denied a higher initial rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD and hearing loss are denied, but the Board finds a mixed disposition due to some issues being granted.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is currently rated at 20 percent, which requires insulin and a restricted diet. The disability does not meet the criteria for higher ratings due to regulation of activities or complications.

The Board denied service connection for vitiligo and erectile dysfunction, finding that the conditions were not caused by or aggravated by active service. The Veteran's vitiligo was not shown to be due to herbicide exposure or anthrax vaccinations, while his erectile dysfunction was first diagnosed after prostate cancer treatment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction. The evidence does not support a finding that either condition is related to active duty service or service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board finds that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident during service and is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease and/or medications taken for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to a disagreement with the March 2010 VA opinion that concluded erectile dysfunction was less likely than not caused by or related to diabetes mellitus. The Court found insufficient explanation for why diabetes did not contribute to or worsen erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection, including those involving erectile dysfunction and hair loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression, left and right lower extremity compartment syndrome with peripheral neuropathy, lumbar degenerative joint disease with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) involving both sciatic nerves, right and left heel retrocalcaneal bursitis, a right eyebrow scar, bilateral leg scars, and erectile dysfunction, are found to be of sufficient severity to require the need for assistance with his activities of daily living. The Board grants SMC based on the regular need for the aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased ratings for labyrinthitis, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, bilateral glaucoma and cataracts (claimed as eye disorder), type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypertension and erectile dysfunction (ED), and coronary artery disease (CAD).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, a respiratory condition, sensitive nerve system, dizziness and loss of balance, gout, and erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's claims remain denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.