Prostate cancer decisions — 2008

The veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer was denied as there is no evidence of the condition in service, and it is not related to his service.

The veteran was denied an initial compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction and the appeal as to an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was dismissed.

The Board determined that the appellant's claims for service connection and an initial compensable evaluation for hypertension were not supported by the evidence of record.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer as there was no evidence of the condition during service and no medical evidence linking it to his active duty.

The claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened, but the claims for coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, and hypothyroidism, each claimed as secondary to exposure to ionizing radiation, were remanded.

The veteran's residuals of prostate cancer are not shown to be more severe than the currently assigned 20 percent rating, as his urinary frequency and leakage do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for residuals of prostate cancer was denied as the evidence did not support an evaluation greater than 20 percent.

The case is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and prostate cancer as there was no evidence of an in-service stressor or credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred, and no evidence linking the current conditions to active service.

The case was remanded to obtain updated medical records and a new VA examination due to the veteran's reported worsening of symptoms.

The veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of prostate cancer and status-post anal fistula and abscess are being remanded to verify the likelihood of in-service exposure to herbicides and/or poisonous chemicals.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the disability rating for prostate cancer from 100 percent to 20 percent was proper based on the expiration of a specified time period set in the rating schedule.

The veteran's original 100% rating for prostate cancer due to herbicides was restored after the reduction from 100% to 40% was found to be improper.

The Board has determined that the veteran's photophobia is related to his service in the Persian Gulf region during World War II, and thus grants service connection for this condition. Service connection for prostate cancer is denied as there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides or a diagnosis within one year of discharge.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoporosis, diverticulitis, prostate cancer, and shortness of breath as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for prostate cancer was denied as there is no evidence showing a prior informal or formal claim within one year of his separation from active duty in 1970. The earliest possible effective date is August 24, 2004, when he filed his initial claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, bilateral hearing loss, a back disorder, a psychiatric disorder, and a foot disorder. The decision found that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence to support any of these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pending issue of entitlement to an increased initial rating for PTSD.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of being in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound.