Prostate cancer decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service connection claim for a disability manifested by uncontrollable body shakes is denied as there is no evidence of any neurological disorder or other ascertainable chronic disability. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for left foot disorders and service connection for prostate cancer are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for his left foot scar is also being remanded. The Veteran has provided lay assertions indicating that his lower back and left foot conditions have worsened since VA examinations conducted over 11 years ago, necessitating a new examination.,Regarding the service connection claims, the AOJ must determine whether the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during service in Vietnam, as he maintains. If not, the claim for prostate cancer will be denied due to lack of evidence of exposure. The AOJ should also conduct an examination into any asbestos exposure and assess its potential impact on the Veteran's health.,The Veteran claims that his leakage and impotency are related to his prostate cancer treatment. The AOJ must determine whether these residuals are service-connected, as well as if they are aggravated by his prostate cancer.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is being remanded for further review due to conflicting information regarding his service aboard the U.S.S. Epperson and potential exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer have been granted. However, his claim for hereditary hemochromatosis remains pending as he has not provided sufficient evidence to establish a current diagnosis or link it to service.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death due to COPD, prostate cancer, and chronic kidney disease. The examiner concluded that these conditions were less likely related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction, both claimed as secondary to his prostate cancer, have been denied. The Board found that there was no credible evidence of herbicide exposure during service, and thus could not establish a presumption of service connection based on Agent Orange exposure. Additionally, the Board determined that there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, as further development is needed to assess the combined effects of all service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer, status-post prostatectomy resulted in a voiding dysfunction causing him to void 5 or more times per night. The disability is currently rated at 40 percent and has not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for bladder cancer and prostate cancer at the July 2014 RO hearing, resulting in their dismissal.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicides during service, and his prostate cancer was not related to active duty. The back disability and left hand/thumb disability were also not connected to service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to have been incurred during active military service due to herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Veteran's request for service connection for prostate cancer is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to toxic herbicide during his service in Thailand and/or Vietnam, which is presumed for ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

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

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating.,Headaches are not service-connected.

The Veteran's adenocarcinoma of the right lung was rated at 100% from November 1, 2012 to March 27, 2014 and at 30% thereafter.,Prior to March 27, 2014, the Veteran was granted a compensable rating for his prostate cancer residuals. From March 27, 2014 onwards, he is rated at 30%

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostatitis is not related to his service, including presumed herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection for a prostate disability is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his exposure to asbestos, ionizing radiation, and herbicide agents during active service. The VA will also conduct a medical examination to assess the etiology of his prostate cancer and basal cell carcinoma.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not found to be related to his service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The Board determined that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim for service connection.