Bladder cancer decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and bladder cancer, as well as coronary artery disease (CAD), finding that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis for CAD. The claims for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and bladder cancer were also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether exposure to Agent Orange or use of medication for diabetes caused the Veteran's bladder cancer, which is not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, heart disability, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer due to in-service exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE). The VA is required to obtain relevant treatment records from VA facilities and a University Medical Center. A medical opinion is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service or TCE exposure.

The Board denied service connection for bladder cancer and skin lesions (claimed as skin cancer) due to herbicide exposure, finding no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service or presumed exposure.

The Board denied service connection for Bowen’s disease, chloracne, and skin cancer due to herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran's claim for increased SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ was also denied.,The Board remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for bladder cancer, as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II or due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bladder cancer, including as due to in-service exposure to ionizing radiation, is remanded. The AOJ must follow the special development procedures set forth in § 3.311(a) and obtain a dose estimate from the Department of Defense.

The appeal for service connection for cause of the Veteran’s death has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew her appeal.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is found to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination and outstanding records, including CT scans of the chest. The Veteran's lung cancer claim will be reconsidered with these additional pieces of evidence.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to a lack of evidence linking his bladder cancer to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The primary cause was attributed to his long history of smoking, which is a known risk factor for bladder cancer.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for testicular cancer was denied. His claim for bladder cancer including residuals was also denied as the evidence did not show a link between his current condition and service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he indicated satisfaction with the recent grant and wanted to withdraw his appeal.

The Veteran's service in Vietnam and his exposure to jet fuel are asserted as the cause of his bladder cancer. The VA has not provided a sufficient medical opinion on whether these factors caused his condition, so further examination is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD, allergic rhinitis, obstructive sleep apnea, bladder cancer, prostate hypertrophy, and calculus of the left ureter are all remanded for further development.,Additional medical opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating for coronary heart disease and service connection for bladder cancer are remanded due to the need for additional development, including updated VA treatment records and examinations.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is granted service connection due to herbicide exposure during his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bladder cancer and hypertension as secondary to in-service exposure to herbicide agents has been granted. A 70% disability rating is assigned for PTSD with alcohol use disorder, effective from May 21, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's bladder cancer is related to his service, specifically in-service exposure to an herbicide agent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bladder cancer and an increased rating for ischemic heart disease. The claim for bladder cancer is reopened, but the issues of service connection are still pending as they have not been decided yet. The issue of an increased rating for ischemic heart disease remains under review.

The Veteran's service connection for bladder cancer was granted due to a liberalizing law, but an earlier effective date is denied as there is no probative evidence of a diagnosis prior to the implementation of the new law.