Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence/neurogenic bladder, both claimed as secondary to a service-connected back disability.,There is no direct evidence linking the Veteran's ED or urinary issues to his military service. The VA examiners found that there was insufficient medical evidence to support the claims of secondary service connection.

Entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD with associated depression and anxiety is denied. The Veteran's symptoms are more closely approximated by a 50 percent disability rating.,Entitlement to TDIU is denied as the evidence does not show that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's reported pain during intercourse, which may be related to Peyronie's disease. The current rating for Peyronie's disease is at 20 percent and does not account for the Veteran's symptoms.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need to obtain private treatment records from Dr. Desai, which are relevant to the Veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disorder, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, and right eye condition.

The Veteran's psoriasis form dermatitis is rated at 10 percent, the maximum allowed under current regulations. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's right knee meniscotomy and limitation of flexion are both rated at their maximum allowable ratings (10% and 30%, respectively). There is no basis for a higher evaluation.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of gastrointestinal and genitourinary disabilities, as well as bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and hypertension. Service connection is granted for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy with dystonia, and left lower and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathies due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected type II diabetes is linked to his bilateral lower and upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction.,The Veteran has been granted service connection for type II diabetes, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction due to exposure to herbicide agents in service.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer are not service-connected, nor is the erectile dysfunction due to a service-connected condition. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for effective dates earlier than July 1, 2016, as the Veteran died during the pendency of these appeals.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, bladder cancer, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension are all granted. The claim for PTSD is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) and remanded the claims for right ear hearing loss and a right shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's AML, which is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in service.

New and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for lumbosacral strain.,The Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service. The examiner should provide an opinion on whether ED was aggravated by his acquired psychiatric disability.,Service connection is granted for PTSD, but no rating assigned as it is presumed due to in-service personal assault.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disorder and denied service connection for heart disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction (secondary to heart disorder).

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding an earlier effective date for service connection of a left elbow condition. The Veteran's benign prostatic hypertrophy, erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected chronic prostatitis.

The Veteran's chronic sinus disorder is currently rated as noncompensable, but the Board has granted a 10 percent rating for this condition.,Service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder remains remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no legal basis for a higher rating.,The Veteran's service-connected hypertension and ED are not service connected. The RO is instructed to obtain medical opinions addressing whether these conditions were incurred in service or caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder condition, low back condition, bilateral knee conditions, bilateral plantar fasciitis, sinusitis, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, erectile dysfunction, right ankle condition, and sleep apnea and associated sleeping disorder. The appeals are not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ is denied as the criteria are not met. The Veteran did not file a claim prior to February 20, 2020 and his entitlement to service connection had not yet arisen at that time.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development regarding his claims of increased ratings and TDIU, including consideration of new VA treatment records received after the October 2020 supplemental statement of the case.