Prostate cancer decisions — 2002

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on August 29, 1996 is denied as the effective date of his service connection for prostate cancer was not yet established at the time of the expenses.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his prostate cancer residuals, currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for increased rating and total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are denied as he failed to report for a required VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to prostate cancer, which was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The appellant argued that exposure to herbicides caused the cancer, but there is no evidence supporting this claim.