Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the claims for bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, erectile dysfunction, skin condition as due to undiagnosed illness, obstructive sleep apnea, left foot hallux valgus, right foot hallux valgus, low back condition, hypertension, and right shoulder condition.,However, some of these issues have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's prostate cancer has been rated at 10 percent since December 1, 2015. The RO reduced the rating from 20 percent to 10 percent effective December 1, 2015. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected prostate cancer disability and whether it includes voiding dysfunction and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee replacement, coronary artery disease, nephropathy with hypertension, and diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and erectile dysfunction, are sufficient to qualify for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability as of June 17, 2011.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and diabetes have been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal before a final decision was made.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not manifested by penile deformity, and therefore does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the functional impairment caused by his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work. The issues of increased ratings for diabetes and coronary artery disease are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities and addressing his theory of entitlement to service connection based on a secondary disability.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction has been manifested by a loss of erectile power without deformity. The Board finds that while the Veteran's erectile dysfunction has been manifested by a loss of erectile power, as he has indicated he cannot achieve an erection without medication, there is no evidence of a deformity of the penis. Therefore, a compensable disability rating for erectile dysfunction is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not related to his service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection. The issues of low back disability, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), and migraines are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone, along with additional disabilities rated at least 60 percent (chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus), meet the criteria for a TDIU. From May 19, 2010, he also meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the nature and severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed. The initial rating claim for anxiety disorder with alcohol in early remission is denied.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various conditions, including type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral upper and lower extremity disorders, a cardiac disorder, generalized arthritis, a bilateral eye disorder, colon cancer, and erectile dysfunction. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete information and need for a comprehensive examination of the Veteran's employment capacity given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection for Diabetes Mellitus, Type II is granted. The Board also remanded the cases of bilateral peripheral neuropathy and erectile dysfunction to be evaluated as secondary to DM II.

The Veteran is entitled to specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and erectile dysfunction. The claim for special home adaptations is dismissed as a matter of law.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased rating for cervical spine DJD and DDD, a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction, and earlier effective dates for service connection of headaches and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ.,The RO assigned an effective date of September 7, 2011 for the award of a 20 percent rating for cervical spine DJD and DDD. The appellant's claim for erectile dysfunction was granted with an effective date of October 24, 2011.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, with erectile dysfunction, renal glomerular disease, and gastroparesis is rated at 60 percent effective March 3, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that it is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service sexual assault. The claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, hepatitis C, a right knee disorder, and erectile dysfunction are also granted.