Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification of his psychiatric diagnosis and a new VA examination regarding erectile dysfunction. The issues on appeal include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to diabetes mellitus, initial disability ratings for type II diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability and ED are not related to service or his service-connected conditions.,Specifically, the VA examiner determined that the right knee disability was less likely caused by service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, renal cell carcinoma and partial nephrectomy of left kidney, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and erectile dysfunction, significantly impair his ability to work. The Board finds that these disabilities preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran withdrew his claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, hypertension, rash of the face and scalp, erectile dysfunction, renal insufficiency, and sinus disorder are denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship to his active service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for erectile dysfunction, including as secondary to his service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus. The case was remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left fingers is currently asymptomatic and does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's left eye cataract results in corrected distance visual acuity of 20/70, warranting a 10% disability rating.

The Veteran's unemployability is due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD and prostate cancer with urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Board found no credible evidence of the Veteran's service in Vietnam, and thus he cannot be presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents. The VA attempted to verify his exposure in Panama but found no evidence of such exposure.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected hypothyroidism, and the claim for an increased rating of 60 percent for hypothyroidism is granted.

The VA determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his level of education and occupational experience, and the Board finds that he is unemployable due to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the filing of a timely notice of disagreement on several service connection claims and rating issues.

The Veteran's MS is rated at 30 percent, and his depressive disorder, speech disorder, IBS, bladder disorder, visual field defect, and ED are separately rated. The Board finds that the Veteran's claims for higher ratings are not supported by the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction, which is associated with his prostate adenocarcinoma, does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating as there is no evidence of penile deformity. The Veteran was granted service connection and compensation for this condition but is not entitled to an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and impotence is denied as there is no evidence of physical deformity of the penis or loss of erectile power.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, but denied an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not shown to have been manifested by penile deformity.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive features has been granted a higher rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran is also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral bone spurs has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran currently has an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, which is related to his service.,Service connection for sleep apnea is granted as new and material evidence has been received showing a possible relationship between the Veteran's current condition and his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not related to his service or a service-connected disability, including PTSD and medications used for PTSD.