Prostate cancer decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of medical records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer as secondary to his service-connected skin cancer is being remanded due to the need for a more comprehensive medical opinion regarding the relationship between the two conditions.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against the finding that the Veteran's prostate cancer had its onset in service or within one year of separation therefrom, or is etiologically related to any incident, disease, or exposure during his active service.

The Board found no evidence of a respiratory disorder or prostate cancer that was incurred in service, and denied the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, diagnosed in May 2005 and presumed due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, was granted effective March 29, 2007. The initial disability rating of 100% is assigned as of that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer contributed to his death, and thus grants DIC benefits on this basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate disorder, left ankle disability, and left knee disability are not service-connected. The VA examiner concluded that the current disabilities of the prostate, left ankle, and left knee were unrelated to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification on whether his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for prostate cancer is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a genitourinary examination and obtaining outstanding medical records.

The Board denied service connection for depression as secondary to service-connected chronic hepatitis, finding that the evidence did not support this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause his death, as other significant conditions contributing to death were found.

The Board has determined that a VA medical opinion is needed to determine whether the cause of the Veteran's death is related to service, specifically his in-service asbestos exposure. The appellant claims that the Veteran had in-service asbestos exposure which caused post-service lung disease, contributing to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer with erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ, effective from November 17, 2008. The earlier effective date is granted as the report of contact in November 2008 can be construed as an informal claim.

The Veteran's service connection claim for postoperative residuals of prostate cancer is granted as the evidence supports a finding that his current condition is related to his in-service symptoms.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals have been rated at 60 percent since November 22, 2011. The reduction from 100 percent to 40 percent was proper as the disability had improved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his prostate cancer, which is presumed to have been incurred due to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam. The cause of death is therefore granted.

The Board has determined that a medical opinion is needed to determine the cause of the Veteran's death and whether any service-connected disabilities contributed to his death. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of prostate cancer and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and diabetes are presumed to have been incurred in service due to his exposure to Agent Orange during his service aboard the U.S.S. Davis, which operated temporarily in Vietnam inland waterways.

The Veteran's prostate cancer with urinary incontinence was reduced from a 100% rating to a 60% rating effective January 15, 2010. The reduction was based on improvement observed during the examination and subsequent medical records.