Erectile dysfunction decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history for the period from January 1, 2011, to February 4, 2011, or prior to January 1, 2011.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder disability, sleep apnea, right ankle degenerative joint disease, bilateral degenerative joint disease of the hands, irritable bowel syndrome, and erectile dysfunction (secondary to PTSD) have been reopened. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen these claims.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to service connection and disability ratings, including headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and erectile dysfunction. The effective dates for TDIU have also been remanded.

The Board has remanded all of the Veteran's claims due to new VA medical records being associated with his case and not reviewed by the AOJ. The Veteran was given a chance to respond, but did not do so.

The Veteran's PTSD and other service-connected conditions have not met the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his overall disability picture, which does not meet the specific eligibility requirements.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to clarify the etiology of the Veteran's left ear hearing loss, prostatitis, ED, TB residuals and lung nodules/polyps, left ankle stress fracture, left ankle arthritis, and chronic pain all over.,The Veteran is being asked to provide more information regarding his exposure to asbestos aboard the USS Ponce LPD 15. He is also requested to clarify when and where he served for two months and seven days as documented in his DD Form 214.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as due to herbicide exposure. The low back disability remains at a 40% rating, with no change in the rating for neuropathy or erectile dysfunction. Right ear hearing loss and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's chronic kidney disease and erectile dysfunction are found to be caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted service connection. The compensable ratings for erectile dysfunction and difficulty chewing/swallowing are denied, but a noncompensable rating is assigned due to the Veteran's Parkinson's disease. Service connection for PTSD is granted with an initial 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer residuals and erectile dysfunction due to incomplete development regarding his claimed exposure to herbicides in Thailand. The appellant is asked to provide more information about their alleged exposure.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his employment history and income information.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II (previously rated as diabetes mellitus type II with nephropathy and retinopathy) is denied. The evidence does not show that the Veteran requires regulation of his activities due to diabetes, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for nocturia and erectile dysfunction, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions began during or were caused by the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for right carpal tunnel syndrome, but the increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the right hand remains denied. The claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to PTSD, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) secondary to PTSD, and tinnitus are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence, including terminal hospital records and private medical records. The Veteran's cause of death is currently under review.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has restored service connection for Diabetes Mellitus with Erectile Dysfunction and Ischemic Heart Disease, finding the prior severance decision was improper due to incorrect exposure information.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are likely to prevent him from securing and maintaining gainful employment, leading to a TDIU. The claims for increased ratings in various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that there was no evidence linking the condition to his active service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for an evaluation of prostatectomy residuals and TDIU due to lack of VA treatment records and inadequate notice regarding TDIU requirements.