Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for further medical development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The issues include erectile dysfunction, low back disorder secondary to bilateral knee disabilities, and adjustment disorder with depression.

The Veteran's prostate cancer in remission, erectile dysfunction, and pelvic surgical scar are all being reviewed for potential increased ratings. The VA will obtain updated treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his current conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain an opinion on the etiology of his GERD and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension with left hydronephrosis and erectile dysfunction, did not render him unemployable prior to August 13, 2013. The Board denied a TDIU for the period prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, tinnitus, memory loss, nephropathy, and heart disease to include coronary artery disease due to their secondary nature to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper development and consideration of the Veteran's claims for PTSD and ED.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and its resulting complications, including erectile dysfunction, were not the result of VA treatment, including testosterone replacement therapy.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively result in the permanent loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. As a result, he is entitled to specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and the Board finds that there is no medical nexus between his current hearing loss disability and service.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7522 as he does not have physical deformity of the penis with loss of erectile power. The VA examiner found no penile deformity in the Veteran's case.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms which most closely equate to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 9411. The Board finds that there is no medical evidence of record supporting an increase in disability rating beyond this level.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not, either individually or collectively, preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including contacting the Massachusetts Army National Guard to obtain his medical and personnel records. Service connection will be reconsidered based on this additional information.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as PTSD and depression, is related to his military service. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service. As such, the criteria for service connection are met.