Bladder cancer decisions — 2018

The Veteran's medical expenses incurred at a private hospital for treatment of bladder cancer are denied as the emergency had ended and he could have been transferred to a VA facility.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hypertension, kidney disorder, ED, and bladder cancer due to service connection. The remand requires obtaining additional medical records, conducting VA examinations, and providing addendum opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as they are moot due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's surviving spouse has withdrawn the appeal for service connection of bladder cancer, secondary to asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for prostate and bladder cancer, to include separate evaluations for residuals of prostate and bladder cancer, is denied. The Veteran's residuals are properly considered under the predominant residual; voiding dysfunction, and a separate compensable rating for prostate and bladder cancer would violate the prohibition against pyramiding.

The Veteran's bladder cancer was not caused by his military service and the Board denied his claim for service connection.

Service connection granted for ischemic heart disease, hyperlipidemia (as high cholesterol), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, diabetes mellitus, and bladder cancer. Service connection denied for hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Other issues on appeal are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for multiple compression fractures of the lumbar spine and bladder cancer due to new evidence submitted since April 2010. The claim for service connection for multiple compression fractures is being remanded for a supplemental medical opinion, while the bladder cancer issue remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bladder cancer is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 60 percent.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his scar secondary to bladder cancer is denied due to the scar not meeting the criteria under Diagnostic Code 7801 or 7802.

The Veteran is granted a rating of 100 percent for coronary artery disease effective June 19, 2012. The claim for an earlier effective date prior to July 16, 2007, and February 8, 2012, are denied.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is granted as service connected due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and the disease has been shown to exist post-service.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder is granted service connection. The claim for bladder cancer as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II, is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected conditions, as well as his claims of exposure to chemicals during service. The appeals are also remanded for obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bladder cancer is related to his exposure to benzene in jet fuel while serving as an aircraft mechanic, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and the cause of death is unclear. The Board has remanded for further medical evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for multiple myeloma due to lack of evidence of a current disability. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and initial compensable rating for residuals of bladder cancer are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected bladder cancer and chronic kidney disease have resulted in total occupational impairment, allowing for a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's bladder cancer, diagnosed after service and treated with BCG therapy, is granted as presumptively due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Service connection for diabetes, fibromyalgia, COPD, congestive heart failure, hypertension, sexual dysfunction (including erectile dysfunction), bladder cancer, and bilateral upper extremity neuropathy is denied.,The Veteran's service treatment records do not show any diagnosis or complaints related to these conditions. The Board found no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation for any of the claimed disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bladder cancer, prostatectomy, and erectile dysfunction. However, these claims are remanded as new evidence was submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for bladder cancer including as due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine the etiology of his bladder cancer and an addendum opinion is needed regarding whether his erectile dysfunction is secondary to his bladder cancer.