Bladder cancer decisions — 2024

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a persistent depressive disorder, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected prostate and bladder cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's inactive bladder cancer, finding that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence supporting this claim.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection of bladder cancer was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service connection for bladder cancer and associated lymph node cancer was granted effective June 28, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to carbon tetrachloride and ionizing radiation during service. Additional development is needed, including obtaining medical opinions on whether these exposures caused or contributed to the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bladder cancer is remanded due to the lack of a kidney examination, which could affect the current severity assessment.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is rated as 100 percent prior to March 20, 2023, and in excess of 40 percent since. The Board has remanded the case for further development to clarify if there has been any recurrence or metastasis of the Veteran's bladder cancer.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's rating for bladder cancer and prostate cancer residuals from 100 percent to 40 percent, effective May 1, 2022, was proper. The Veteran is not entitled to restoration of a 100 percent rating as his condition does not meet the criteria.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bladder cancer was denied as there was no formal or informal claim submitted prior to August 11, 2023.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for bladder cancer has been denied. The request to readjudicate the claim for service connection of PTSD is granted, but the claim remains denied as there is no diagnosis of PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence from the PACT Act, requiring a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's causes of death are related to his service.

The Veteran withdrew all outstanding appeals, including those related to the conditions listed above.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bladder cancer has been dismissed due to their death.

The Veteran's bladder cancer residuals are granted a 60 percent evaluation, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The claims of entitlement to SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance, SMC based on housebound status, and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is not presumed to be related to service due to lack of exposure to herbicides or contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for bladder cancer with left nephrectomy in December 2021, but the Board found no grounds to grant an earlier effective date prior to March 6, 2020. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bladder cancer and surgical scar was also denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bladder cancer, finding that his exposure to ionizing radiation and asbestos during military service is a significant factor in developing this condition. The decision also acknowledges the Veteran's history of secondhand smoke exposure but does not consider it as a primary cause.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bladder cancer residuals is remanded due to a duty to assist error and new evidence received after the June 2024 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, Parkinson's disease, and bladder cancer due to exposure to JP-5 jet fuel during military service. The VA failed to consider this toxic exposure in its initial decisions.

The Veteran's bladder cancer, which is currently being treated with chemotherapy, has been granted an initial 100 percent disability rating.