Bladder cancer decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was reopened and denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a causal relationship between his in-service occurrence of hepatitis B and his current diagnosis of hepatitis C, thus denying service connection. The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 were also denied as there was no medical evidence showing VA carelessness or negligence caused the cancer.

The Veteran's depressive disorder associated with bladder cancer is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that this rating does not accurately depict the severity of his condition. The Veteran has fatigue, anxiety, low motivation, and mild memory loss, which are consistent with a 50% rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. However, these symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they do not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of bladder cancer is granted as the condition may be presumed due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

The Board denied service connection for urinary bladder cancer as the evidence did not show exposure to ionizing radiation during service and there was no in-service injury or event that may have caused the condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for bladder cancer, residuals of bladder removal, and residuals of prostatectomy due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection. The Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Vietnam is presumed.

The Veteran's bladder cancer claim is being remanded for additional development to address the etiology of his condition, including consideration of in-service exposure to herbicide agents and diesel fuel.

The Veteran died from bladder cancer, but the claim for nonservice-connected burial benefits is denied as he was not admitted to a VA facility or traveling to a non-VA facility with prior authorization and at VA expense for examination, treatment, or care.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bladder cancer is granted due to presumed exposure at Camp Lejeune. Bilateral hearing loss and skin cancer claims are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bladder cancer due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault. The appellant's claims for service connection and DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his exposure to hazardous chemicals while stationed at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is presumed to be due to exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is found to be service-connected due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for bladder and kidney cancer, including as due to herbicide exposure. The preponderance of the evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his active military service.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is presumed to be related to exposure at Camp Lejeune, and he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for kidney failure, multiple myeloma, residuals of bladder cancer, and residuals of colon cancer as related to exposure at Camp Lejeune. Service connection was denied for kidney cancer.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bladder cancer and prostate cancer, based on exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune. A new medical opinion is needed to determine if these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service, including his exposure to contaminants while stationed at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's bladder cancer and prostate cancer are service connected due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on whether lung cancer is related to service-connected bladder cancer and due to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is related to service exposure to hazardous materials, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.