Bladder cancer Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bladder cancer residuals and a bladder condition was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating in either of the relevant periods.

The Veteran's bladder cancer was rated at 100% from October 15, 2018 through September 30, 2020. Additionally, the Veteran's service-connected diabetes and diabetic neuropathy were combined to result in a 70% rating during this period, meeting the criteria for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) at the 's' rate.

The Board has identified errors in the pre-decisional duty to assist and has ordered additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during his service in Thailand, and he has a current diagnosis of degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine that is secondary to his service-connected right proximal fibular fracture.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, GERD, right elbow disability, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bladder cancer, bilateral vision issues, and a respiratory disability are remanded due to the failure to properly consider potential exposure to herbicides and asbestos during service.

The Veteran's bladder cancer was rated at 100% from October 30, 2014 to December 1, 2015. The rating is granted based on the benefit of the doubt in his favor.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, scars status post bladder cancer surgery, COPD, and hypertension. The issues of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is presumed to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service near the DMZ in Korea. The Board granted service connection on this basis.

The Veteran's bladder cancer was granted service connection and a 100% disability rating effective June 19, 2019. The decision is based on the direct link between his military service and the condition.

The Veteran's bladder cancer was rated at 100% from October 30, 2014 to December 1, 2015. The rating is granted based on the benefit of the doubt in his favor.

The appeal for service connection of a left hand disability is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have current hearing loss to a degree that qualifies as a ratable disability. The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back, knee, and hip disabilities due to potential aggravation by pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for residuals of high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in failing to develop the record for possible ionizing radiation exposure during service. The Veteran's claim will be referred to the Under Secretary for Health for preparation of a radiation dosage estimate.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating prior to June 6, 2018, and in excess of 40 percent since February 20, 2019, for his service-connected bladder cancer has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

Service connection for prostate cancer is granted under the PACT Act, and service connection for bladder cancer is remanded.

The Board denied the appeal for accrued benefits and the Appellant's notice of disagreement with the March 2018 Rating Decision, finding that both were untimely.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the rating for bladder cancer from 100% to 40% was proper, and the claim is denied. Separate ratings have been granted for anemia as a residual of bladder cancer with metastatic cancer to lymph nodes and prostate, and for balance impairment as a residual of bladder cancer with metastatic cancer to lymph nodes and prostate.

The Veteran's bladder cancer residuals have been rated at various levels since July 2016. The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the current severity of the disability, particularly regarding voiding dysfunction.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to bladder cancer, which is service-connected. The claim for survivor pension benefits and DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are dismissed as the Veteran's spouse has been substituted in his appeal. Accrued benefits are also dismissed as the Veteran had a pending appeal at the time of his death.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is granted service connection as it is presumed to be due to his exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty in the Republic of Vietnam.