Prostate cancer decisions — 2008

The Board granted an increased disability rating of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected prostate cancer, effective from when the claim was received.

The Board has determined that the veteran's prostate cancer is service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents, and his tinnitus may be related to military service. The veteran was granted service connection for prostate cancer.

The Board found that the veteran does not have prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or depression that is attributable to military service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The claims were denied.

The Board denied reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding no new and material evidence. The veteran was not recognized as a former prisoner of war (POW).

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and a compensable rating for cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), status-post resection.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's postoperative prostate cancer, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on voiding dysfunction or erectile dysfunction. The RO had initially assigned a 20% evaluation and awarded special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ due to erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer, gout/arthritis of the hands and knees, atrial fibrillation with hypertension, a fungus in the groin area, and loss of the tip of the left index finger. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for prostate cancer.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected prostate cancer with voiding dysfunction and residual abdominal weakness with postsurgical neuralgia, finding that neither condition met the schedular criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for an increased initial disability rating for service-connected residuals of prostate cancer was granted, and his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and impotence resulting from prostate cancer were denied as the effective dates cannot be earlier than May 16, 2005.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have prostate cancer, degenerative joint disease (DJD), or degenerative disc disease (DDD) as a result of military service including exposure to mustard gas and pesticides. As such, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has vacated its May 14, 2007 decision and granted service connection for skin rash, a disability manifested by rectal bleeding including ulcerative colitis, and prostate cancer due to new evidence submitted after the initial decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for prostate cancer, malignant melanoma, thoracic spine disorder, and broken left ankle as they are not shown to be causally related to his period of active military service.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and bone cancer, finding that the diseases are not related to exposure to ionizing radiation in service.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including determining if the veteran was exposed to herbicides and X-rays during service. The claim will be reconsidered after these developments.

The Board found that the reduction from 100% to 60% for residuals of prostate cancer was proper, but denied a higher schedular rating.

The veteran is seeking an increased initial rating for his service-connected prostate cancer, currently rated at 20 percent. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and residuals of prostate cancer, finding that the veteran's exposure to herbicide agents used in Vietnam is presumed. The veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy but his claimed stressors are corroborated by evidence of record.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder and prostate cancer, finding that the conditions did not have onset during active service or were otherwise unrelated to service.