Prostate cancer decisions — 2005

The Board found that the reduction of the veteran's rating from 100 to 20 percent was proper due to improvement, and denied restoration of a total rating of 100% for prostate cancer residuals. The current evaluation of 20% is maintained.

The veteran's claims for prostate cancer, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the veteran's prostate cancer evaluation from 100% to 0% was proper and that a non-compensable evaluation is also appropriate.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to June 28, 2002 for a grant of service connection for prostate cancer. The claim was received on June 28, 2002 and granted with a 100% evaluation effective that day.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for bladder and prostate cancer as a result of exposure to Agent Orange, and denied service connection for diabetes mellitus. The veteran's claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the claim.

The veteran's prostate cancer was active and spreading despite surgery, warranting a 100% disability rating from April 4, 2001 to September 11, 2002.

The veteran's death was caused by metastatic prostate cancer, with schizophrenia and atherosclerosis as significant contributing conditions. The RO needs to obtain medical opinions regarding the cause of death and need for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and found no legal entitlement to Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied as he is not found to be in need of such assistance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to asbestos exposure, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his claim of shrapnel wounds to the face. The VA examiner did not provide an opinion regarding the etiology of any of the veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Board found that the evidence submitted since the October 2001 rating decision is not new and material, thus denying the veteran's application to reopen his service connection claims for hemorrhoids, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, a condition manifested by a swollen liver, and a condition manifested by swelling of the legs.

The Board denied the veteran's request to restore a 100 percent rating for his prostate cancer residuals, finding that there was no evidence of recurrence or improvement in his condition.

The veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his current prostate disability and for additional development of his claims file.

The veteran's prostate cancer, peptic ulcer disease, bronchiectasis, and peripheral neuropathy were not incurred or aggravated during service. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for non-service-connected death pension benefits and accrued benefits due to lack of qualifying service, lack of veteran status, or other lack of legal eligibility.

The veteran seeks service connection for prostate cancer and peripheral neuropathy, both claimed as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding potential exposure to Agent Orange outside of Vietnam.

The veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment was denied by the RO. His claim for a higher initial evaluation for prostate cancer residuals from February 5, 1997, to May 26, 2003, also failed.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, prostate cancer, coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia, right knee and leg disorders, left shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, and lumbar spine disorder. The reasons are that there is no evidence of these conditions during service or a link to service.