Prostate cancer decisions — 2014

The Veteran's current diagnoses of diabetes mellitus, type II and prostate cancer are presumed incurred due to his active duty service.

The Veteran's son is not eligible for Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits because the Veteran has not been adjudicated to have a permanent and total disability.

The Veteran's cause of death, metastatic prostate cancer, is not etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's postoperative prostate cancer is rated at 10 percent prior to May 3, 2011; 40 percent from May 3, 2011 to January 17, 2012; and 20 percent from January 17, 2012. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA audiological examination and verifying whether merchant ships transported tactical herbicides to Guam. The claims of service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his prostate cancer service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding exposure to herbicides in Thailand. The RO must request information from JSRRC and Social Security Administration.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to insufficient discussion of evidence regarding the Veteran's prostate cancer severity.

The Board found that the reduction from a 100% rating to a 40% rating for prostate cancer residuals was proper and upheld. The Veteran's condition has improved since his last treatment in November 2009, with no evidence of recurrence or metastasis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone rendered him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 23, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for residuals of prostate cancer is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination and the need for additional medical evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD and prostate cancer residuals have been rated at their maximum levels, with the TDIU claim being rendered moot by the grant of a higher rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification on whether he wishes to continue his claims or withdraw them. If he continues, the VA will provide him with VCAA notice and attempt to verify any exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current prostate cancer and right kidney cancer and his active service, including exposure to formaldehyde and benzene.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the initial compensable rating prior to May 2, 2012, and in excess of 10 percent from May 2, 2012, for prostate cancer. The issue of an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the reduction from a 100 percent disability rating to a 40 percent disability rating for prostate cancer residuals was proper. The Veteran's current disability picture is consistent with the currently assigned 40 percent rating, and no higher rating is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a lack of clarity in the VA medical opinion regarding DDT exposure and its relation to prostate cancer.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and respiratory disorder claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial rating for prostate cancer has been withdrawn by his representative.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer due to herbicide exposure is being remanded as there are inconsistencies in the dates provided and further verification of his presence in Vietnam is needed.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is related to his active military service and has been granted service connection.