Prostate cancer decisions — 2008

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected prostate cancer residuals is remanded due to the need for updated VA examination and additional VCAA notice.

The Board denied an initial combined rating in excess of 40 percent for residuals of prostate cancer, finding that the veteran's disability required only the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed no more than 2 to 4 times per day without the use of an appliance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of prostate cancer do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as his symptoms are consistent with a 20 percent disability evaluation based on urinary frequency.

The appeal is remanded to obtain more current treatment records and schedule the veteran for an appropriate genitourinary examination.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating or establish service connection.

The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence related to the veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, including a request for additional information regarding his claimed radiation exposure and a possible VA medical examination.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining service records and a new radiation dose assessment.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of prostate cancer was remanded to obtain additional evidence and schedule the veteran for a VA examination.

The Board found that the reduction of the 100 percent evaluation for residuals of prostate cancer was proper, and that a rating in excess of 40 percent was not warranted from January 1, 2004. The veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood was rated at 10 percent.

The veteran withdrew the appeal before a decision was made.

The veteran's prostate cancer residual of bladder irritability is characterized by assertions of having to get up 5 to 6 times per night to void and wearing absorbent materials that must be changed 4 to 5 times per day, warranting a rating of 60 percent.

The Board determined that the veteran's prostate cancer residuals, rated as voiding dysfunction, warranted a 20 percent disability rating. The veteran was also denied an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's various conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart bypass surgery residuals, kidney dysfunction, hypertension, atherosclerotic coronary vascular disease, circulatory condition, chronic anemia, arthritis of the right knee, left knee replacement residuals, and prostate cancer, as there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service or exposure to radiation or severe cold weather.

The veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a dose estimate and an opinion on the relationship between the veteran's prostate cancer and his alleged exposure to ionizing radiation during military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and entitlement to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, as there was no evidence that a service-connected disability caused or contributed substantially or materially in producing the veteran's death, and the veteran was not in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation at the rate of 100 percent due to service-connected disability for a period of ten or more years immediately preceding his death.

The Board remands the claim for further development, including obtaining a comprehensive medical opinion regarding the relationship between PTSD and the veteran's death.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of the veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, status post radical prostatectomy.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for enucleation of the right eye, choiroidal melanoma, prostate cancer, bleeding ulcers, hypertension and a heart condition, a sinus condition, and spine arthritis as they were not incurred or aggravated during his active military service.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and entitlement to DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, as there was no evidence that any of the conditions leading to his death were related to his military service, including exposure to ionizing radiation.