Prostate cancer decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Guam, which could affect his claims for service connection. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for this purpose.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not incurred in or aggravated during active service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and a mood disorder were denied as there was no evidence of direct service connection or exposure to herbicides. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for residuals of prostate cancer was denied as the evidence did not show that his disability more nearly approximated the criteria associated with a higher rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and thus denies all claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require a higher level of care, necessitating hospitalization or nursing home care. The RO must arrange for an aid and attendance evaluation to determine if the Veteran requires such care.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and to ensure proper notice under applicable regulations.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during his National Guard service and, if so, whether he developed prostate cancer as a result of that exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing. The Veteran's claim of service connection for prostate cancer is pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence regarding herbicide exposure in Thailand, and further development is needed to determine if service connection can be established on a direct basis.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a rating of 20 percent for prostate cancer residuals, effective September 1, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 60 percent for prostate cancer, status post radical retropubic prostatectomy was denied by the RO. The issue remains before the Board.

The Veteran's small left lung cancer, right lung melanoma, and prostate cancer are granted as service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, finding no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange and no competent medical evidence linking the condition to military service.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the evaluation for residuals of prostate cancer from 100% to 40% was proper, and the Veteran's entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 40% is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of prostate cancer have been rated at 40 percent since October 1, 2006. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and assistance due to his multiple nonservice-connected disabilities, which render him unable to perform certain daily activities without help. As a result, he qualifies for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation and herbicides, finding that he was not exposed to herbicides during his service in Thailand. The Board also found that there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between the Veteran's current prostate cancer and his military service.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board found that the Veteran's prostate cancer is not related to his service, specifically noting no in-service complaints or findings of a prostate disability and lack of evidence linking it to radiation exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.