Prostate cancer decisions — 2012

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of his service-connected conditions, including prostate cancer and atherosclerotic heart disease. The opinion provided considered both the timing of the diagnoses and the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, which was related to exposure to ionizing radiation during service, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and an addendum opinion. The examiner must determine if there is at least a 50% likelihood that the prostate cancer is related to or aggravated by his service-connected colon cancer.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding medical records and further examination is needed for some of the claims.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and PTSD, finding new and material evidence. Service connection is presumed for these conditions due to exposure in Vietnam or Thailand during military service.

The Veteran's postoperative residuals of prostate cancer are rated at 10 percent, and the reduction in rating from 100 to 10 percent is upheld. The claim for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction is denied. The Veteran's SMC rate for loss of use of a creative organ remains at the maximum schedular rate.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested withdrawal of the appeal in writing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is considered a radiogenic disease, but the evidence does not support a link between his service and the development of this condition. The Board found that he did not initially develop prostate cancer until after service and concluded it was not caused by exposure to ionizing radiation in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic retinopathy which renders him legally blind, result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds that special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation from March 1, 2006 to March 13, 2008.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, status post prostatectomy, is rated at 60 percent effective the date of this decision.

The Veteran's proctitis is rated at 30 percent, effective August 26, 2009. The reduction in the rating for adenocarcinoma of the prostate from 100 to 40 percent was proper.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer were denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides.,Both conditions are not shown to have had onset during service, nor are they related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, elevated PSA, and low sperm count are being remanded for further development including obtaining VA treatment records from St. Louis, Missouri, SSA disability benefits claim records, and a VA examination to determine the relationship between his service and impotency.

The Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination deemed necessary to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities (with respect to impact on employment) means that this claim must be denied as a matter of law.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to have been incurred as a result of Agent Orange exposure during his active service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are manifested by erectile dysfunction and voiding dysfunction with daytime voiding intervals of 1.5-2 hours in addition to awakening 3 - 4 times per night to urinate, warranting a disability rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the claim for service connection is denied. The Board also found that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for a skin disease. For migraine headaches, the rating before April 25, 2003, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, but from April 25, 2003, it does.