Bladder cancer decisions — 2019

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 service, including his exposure to herbicides or diesel fuel.

The Veteran is granted service connection for bladder cancer, as it is presumed to be associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune. Service connection for an enlarged prostate was denied.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer has been dismissed. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bladder cancer and residuals thereof, including removal of the prostate, and diabetes mellitus have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bladder and prostate cancer, as well as the TDIU and SMC based on aid and attendance and housebound. The issues are inextricably intertwined due to their impact on each other.

The Veteran's cause of death, urothelial cell bladder carcinoma, is not service-connected as it was not present during or within one year after his military service. The Board found no evidence linking the cancer to herbicide exposure in Vietnam and concluded that diabetes did not contribute to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and urinary bladder cancer are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's back disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD).,The Veteran's CVA is granted, with reasonable doubt resolved in his favor.,Service connection for bladder cancer is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to Agent Orange while serving on the U.S.S. Lynde McCormick, as it needs to determine if he served in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and prostate cancer residuals are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The claim for bladder cancer is remanded as the evidence suggests a possible link to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss has been granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bladder cancer is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on several service-connected conditions has been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of bladder cancer, including urinary incontinence, was denied as the current 60 percent rating already accounts for his symptoms. The Veteran is currently receiving a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus and hypertension are service-connected due to exposure to herbicides during active service. However, the remaining claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, bladder cancer, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding whether the Veteran's bladder cancer is secondary to her service-connected hepatitis C, tender right ovary, and/or left cystic mastitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's death was caused by exposure to chemicals, non-ionizing radiation, and/or herbicide agents during service. The examiner is requested to review all pertinent records associated with the claims file, including the service treatment records, post-service medical records, and the appellant's assertions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's gallbladder cancer and metastatic cholangiocarcinoma, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to exposure to Agent Orange during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for bladder cancer and prostate cancer, finding that the Veteran was not exposed to ionizing radiation in service and that his cancers were more likely related to smoking.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for bladder cancer to include as due to herbicide agent exposure. The case is being returned for an addendum opinion from a medical professional to address whether the Veteran's bladder cancer began in or is related to active service, specifically his documented service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was also denied.,Service connection for colon cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer were all denied.,Service connection for left knee disorder and right knee disorder were both denied.,Service connection for a left ankle disorder was not addressed as it did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability prior to May 16, 2011 was granted. The claim for a higher rating on and after that date was denied. Service connection was established for melanoma of the scalp, skin cancer, and sleep apnea. Service connection was not established for colon polyps or bladder cancer.