Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for periodontal disease is denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition. The claim for erectile dysfunction was dismissed due to lack of case or controversy.,Service connection for PTSD and MDD remains at 50 percent, but the Veteran asserts that he deserves a higher rating. The Board finds that a 70 percent rating is warranted from February 27, 2007.,The Veteran's sleep disorder claim was remanded due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner’s opinion regarding causation or aggravation.,Service connection for hypertension remains denied as there is no evidence of secondary service connection. The Veteran's essential hypertension emerged prior to his diabetes diagnosis.,A VA cold weather injury examination and medical opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran has a left hand disorder due to frostbite and service-connected diabetes.,The Veteran’s right hand disorder claim was remanded as there is no evidence of secondary service connection. The Veteran asserts that he has trigger finger, but this condition may be related to his service-connected diabetes.,Service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy remains denied due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinion regarding causation or aggravation.,Service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was also remanded as there is no evidence of secondary service connection. The Veteran asserts that he has bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, but this condition may be related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The cases of PTSD and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's prostate cancer residuals should be remanded for further evaluation due to outstanding records and conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep hypopnea, specifically whether it is related to service or secondary to medications for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's death was not related to his service-connected disabilities, and therefore the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is denied. The appellant's entitlement to DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is also denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on housebound status has also been dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and CUE in several rating decisions, finding that no legal merit existed to grant these requests.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including those related to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, were denied as the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and his military service.,Specifically, the Board found that none of the claimed conditions are linked to the Veteran’s active duty or to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, with diabetic retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, is rated at 40 percent since August 2, 2018. The rating for erectile dysfunction remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability, an increased rating for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension, and an earlier effective date for TDIU were all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type II and erectile dysfunction due to herbicide agent exposure, as there is insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure in Korea.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar strain with IVDS prior to July 10, 2014, is denied. A rating of 60 percent, but no more, for lumbar strain with IVDS since July 10, 2014, is granted. The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, ulcers, and erectile dysfunction are REMANDED.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected. The initial compensable rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease, left knee disability, right ankle degenerative joint disease, and erectile dysfunction are all denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to potential exposure to herbicides at the U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. The Veteran's entire Official Military Personnel File and unit histories must be obtained, along with verification of his alleged Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a dental disability, erectile dysfunction, and obstructive sleep apnea were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support these claims as they were not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a cervical spine disorder, acquired psychiatric disability, kidney disorder, and erectile dysfunction have been granted. The cervical spine disorder claim is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to active duty service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence to corroborate the Veteran's in-service stressors for PTSD and to determine if his erectile dysfunction is related to his PTSD or medications.