Citation Nr: 18156155
Decision Date: 12/07/18	Archive Date: 12/07/18

DOCKET NO. 16-51 927
DATE:	December 7, 2018
ORDER
Entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted.
FINDING OF FACT
The Veteran’s erectile dysfunction is proximately due to his service-connected anxiety disorder.
CONCLUSION OF LAW
The criteria for service connection for erectile dysfunction have been met.  38 U.S.C. §§ 1131, 5107(b) (2012); 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303, 3.310(a) (2017).
REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION
The Veteran had active duty from November 1985 through July 1988.
1. Entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction, claimed as being due to anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified (NOS)
The Veteran claims that he has erectile dysfunction that has occurred as a result of his service-connected anxiety disorder and/or medications used to treat the same.  
Service connection may be established for a disability that is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability.  38 C.F.R. § 3.310 (a) (2017).  Also, a disability that is aggravated by a service-connected disability may be service-connected to the degree that the aggravation is shown.  38 C.F.R. § 3.310 (2017); Allen v. Brown, 7 Vet. App. 439 (1995).
VA treatment records show that erectile dysfunction was diagnosed initially for the Veteran in August 2005.  Records of subsequent treatment received by the Veteran through the present show that the condition has been chronic and ongoing and that he has been treated with various medications including Vardenafil and Sildenafil Citrate.
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In a September 2014 VA examination report, the examiner opined that the Veteran’s erectile dysfunction was not the result of any medications used to treat a service-connected condition.  The examiner did, however, opine that the Veteran’s erectile dysfunction was of psychological etiology, which supports the Veteran’s assertions.  Additionally, the Veteran’s representative has pointed to several medical articles outlining how anxiety disorders can cause or contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction.  Taken together, this evidence, coupled with the September 2014 VA examiner’s opinion, establishes a relationship between the Veteran’s service-connected anxiety disorder and his subsequent development of erectile dysfunction.  Accordingly, service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted.
 
DONNIE R. HACHEY
Veterans Law Judge
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	D.S. Lee, Counsel