Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction secondary to prostate cancer, and frequent urination secondary to prostate cancer due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The cancers were not related to service or presumed exposure, and the disorders are not linked to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the RO found no evidence of a current disability related to service. The Veteran was also denied an increased rating for diabetic nephropathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability individual unemployability (TDIU) rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction) do not render him unemployable due to their severity, as the ratings assigned are based on frequency of absorbent material changes. The Board finds that his urinary frequency and voiding dysfunction impair his ability to perform occupational duties but does not support a finding of TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an increased level of SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance prior to April 24, 2018 was denied as he did not meet the legal criteria for a full step increase under subsection (p) due to lack of additional single permanent disability independently ratable at 100 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective October 31, 2008. The Veteran now meets the schedular requirements for SMC at the housebound rate as of March 28, 2011.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions related to Behcet’s syndrome, including skin manifestations, neurological symptoms, erectile dysfunction, psychiatric disorders, bowel issues, and arthritis, have been granted. The Veteran's claim was reopened due to new evidence supporting the diagnosis of Behcet’s syndrome.

The Veteran's right ankle strain is rated 20% and remanded for further evaluation of his erectile dysfunction, obstructive sleep apnea, lumbar spine disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected disabilities and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to service-connected PTSD are both remanded. The Veteran's ED is not found to be proximately due to his service-connected conditions, but the examiner will need to provide an opinion on whether it was aggravated by them.,The Veteran’s lumbar spine disability remains at 20% and a VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left hip condition, left knee condition, and erectile dysfunction have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for COPD and cause of death.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his household.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in actual or functional loss of use of either foot.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disabilities are found to be the primary cause of his current respiratory and cardiovascular disabilities, including erectile dysfunction, tension headaches, sinusitis, asthma, rhinitis, sleep apnea, a respiratory disability claimed as due to asbestos exposure, and a cardiovascular disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and PTSD due to a lack of verification of stressors. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information about any other medical providers who have treated him.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ED, RA, sinusitis, fibromyalgia, IBS, a skin disorder of the face, and bicep disabilities. The exposure basis is attributed to Gulf War service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.,An effective date earlier than April 2, 2012 is denied for the awards of a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD and a 20 percent evaluation for shell fragment wound, right ulnar nerve.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for an additional VA examination and medical opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for penis deformity, loss of erectile power, and benign prostatic hypertrophy are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for BPH is being remanded due to the need for an additional VA examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's application to reopen a claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus has been reopened, but the claim remains denied as there is no evidence that his tinnitus began during service or is related to an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining post-service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations. The issues of service connection are being remanded.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to service or his service-connected PTSD.,His hypertension was not incurred in service and is not otherwise related to service. The Board finds that it is less likely than not caused by the service-connected PTSD.