Prostate cancer decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and bilateral lower extremity thrombosis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for direct service connection, as there was no current disability shown by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's disability rating for prostate cancer was reduced from 100% to 60%, effective September 1, 2008. The reduction is considered proper based on the current level of urinary incontinence requiring absorbent materials more than four times per day.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and prostate cancer residuals are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's prostate disorder, including residuals of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy, is not service connected as due to exposure to herbicides or secondary to his service-connected bladder cancer.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in the verification of herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, which is secondary to herbicide exposure, will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for prostate cancer and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are being remanded to the RO/AMC for further development, including scheduling of VA examinations and clarification of rating decisions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, claimed as due to herbicide exposure during his service on the U.S.S. Stoddert in Vietnam, is being remanded for additional development and notification.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged in-country Vietnam exposure and potential herbicide exposure.

The Veteran does not have prostate cancer that is attributable to his active military service or to his service-connected prostatitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and his combined rating is at least 80 percent. The Board has determined that the criteria for a TDIU are met from August 20, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of prostate cancer have been rated at 10 percent prior to October 20, 2011 and at 40 percent from that date onwards. The Board finds the evidence is in equipoise as to whether a higher rating is warranted for the period before October 20, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound due to his disabilities, as he is able to perform most self-care functions independently.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and efforts to corroborate his reported stressors and service in Vietnam. The claims will be reviewed again after these steps are completed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if current hearing loss and bladder/prostate cancer are related to service. The claim of service connection for nosebleeds will be adjudicated on the merits.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for prostate cancer, benign prostate hypertrophy, a neurological disorder (claimed as uncontrollable shakes/tremors), and hypertension were denied. The effective date issue was also addressed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected prostate cancer residuals was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for prostate cancer, compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and erectile dysfunction, and service connection for a low back disorder prior to the Board's decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's prostate cancer did not begin during or as a result of his military service, including exposure to radiation. The evidence does not support a finding that the prostate cancer is related to his in-service exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to have been incurred as a result of his active service in Vietnam, and thus, he is granted service connection for post-operative residuals of prostate cancer.