The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, service connection for a hip disability other than service-connected fracture of the left iliac crest (to include as secondary to service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine), and a rating higher than 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the VA examinations did not adequately address whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction was caused or aggravated by his service-connected back disability, whether his hip disability is distinct from his service-connected fracture of the left iliac crest, and if so, whether it is related to service. Additionally, the examination for the degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine did not adequately address the Veteran's symptoms during flare-ups or the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Claimed conditions
- Erectile Dysfunction, Hip Disability (Osteoarthritis)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 14, 2026
- Citation
- A26034169
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26034169.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for a VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Bilateral Lower Extremity Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (Sciatic Nerve), Erectile Dysfunction, and Bladder Cancer in remission. Effective dates have been set for these awards as of July 14, 2004. The Veteran's claim for higher initial disability ratings and earlier effective dates are being remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to have had its onset during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.
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