Prostate cancer decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his periods of active duty and Reserve service, as well as a VA examination to determine if his later diagnosis was related to elevated PSA levels during his Army Reserve service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to be etiologically related to in-service exposure to an herbicide agent, and the Board finds that service connection for prostate cancer is warranted.

The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer, status post radical prostatectomy with postoperative complications, are rated at 60 percent from October 22, 2004 to August 11, 2005 and from November 1, 2005. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for prostate cancer, including as due to radiation exposure, has been dismissed because the appellant requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his service personnel records and verifying any herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for prostate cancer residuals was denied, and the effective date for TDIU benefits was not granted prior to June 8, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records from the VA Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina and requesting Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran's claim for TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for laryngeal cancer and prostate cancer are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding possible exposure to herbicides in Thailand.

The Veteran died of prostate cancer, which developed many years after service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that his terminal condition was related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, which is presumed due to Agent Orange exposure, has been remanded for further development of his military records and verification of any temporary duty assignments in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of prostate cancer and a skin disorder, including skin cancer, are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his period of military service or exposure to radiation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development of the medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of prostate cancer has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining outstanding treatment records. The claims on appeal include an increased rating for prostate cancer residuals and T/R based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate cancer is not related to his service, including any exposure to ionizing radiation. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran does not have a back disability, hydronephrosis, or prostate cancer that is related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his complete service personnel records and pay records. The Veteran may have served in Vietnam but there are outstanding records that need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as he does not meet the criteria for permanent aid and assistance due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding its etiology. The appeal will be considered based on direct service connection, as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected residuals of prostate cancer warranted a 40% rating for portions of the appeal period from December 6, 2005, to September 24, 2007, and from January 12, 2011. The reduction was denied as improper.