Prostate cancer decisions — 2002

The veteran's prostate cancer was not characterized by malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary system or reoccurrence or metastasis, and his disability is rated based on residuals such as voiding dysfunction.

The Board found that the veteran's prostate cancer was not caused by his exposure to ionizing radiation in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death due to bladder cancer, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by service and was not secondary to service-connected prostate cancer. The Board also found no evidence linking the veteran's service-connected prostate cancer to his bladder cancer.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected schizophrenia caused his death, warranting DIC benefits and service connection for cause of death.

The veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a chronic acquired skin disorder, a rating in excess of 20 percent for prostate cancer residuals, and an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction. The appeals were based on secondary service connection due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that prostate cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and did not substantially contribute to his death.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of prescription drugs purchased on March 13, 2001 was denied as he is not eligible to have non-VA prescriptions filled at a VA pharmacy and the criteria for reimbursement are not met.

The Board found that the veteran's current disabilities, including anemia and colostomy, were not due to VA's radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The evidence showed these complications are common side effects of radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for cervical stenosis, degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine, hypertension, and prostate cancer with prostectomy as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current disability rating for prostate cancer residuals is not sufficient to warrant restoration of a 100 percent evaluation, as there is no evidence of recurrence or metastasis and the maximum schedular rating has been granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, including arthritis; skin cancer; and prostate cancer, all of which were secondary to exposure to ionizing radiation. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his period of active service.

The Board found that the veteran's prostate cancer, which caused his death, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the claim for service connection. The cause of death was attributed to metastatic prostate cancer.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and TDIU, finding that there was no evidence of radiation exposure during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for restoration of a 100% evaluation for service-connected prostate cancer and residuals thereof, finding that there were no current symptomatic residuals.

The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected residuals of prostate cancer, finding that the current 60 percent evaluation is the maximum under Diagnostic Code 7528 and there is no evidence to support a higher evaluation.

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the veteran's prostate cancer and his service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The claim was denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of prostate cancer, claimed as a residual of exposure to ionizing radiation. The appeal is based on direct evidence and no presumption or secondary theory was applied.