Prostate cancer decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for consideration of the TDIU claim which includes the Veteran's now service-connected prostate cancer. The Veteran should be provided a new VA examination that evaluates all of his service-connected disabilities and discusses their effects on his ability to perform tasks.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not present during service or for many years thereafter, is not amongst the identified conditions associated with exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Board has ordered remand due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and potential temporary duty assignments in Vietnam.

The Veteran's unauthorized emergency treatment for severe low back pain and leg symptoms on February 1, 2011 is approved as meeting the criteria for reimbursement.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals have been rated at 10 percent since August 7, 2014. The Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to a higher initial rating for his service-connected prostate cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed at Eglin Air Force Base from 1964 to 1966. As a result, prostate cancer is presumed to be service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, finding that the Veteran's exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his military service was a contributing factor in developing the condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of left knee meniscus tear status post surgical repair are service-connected. The arthritis claim is also granted as it is related to his pre-existing condition aggravated by service. Other claims remain pending.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus type II should be remanded due to technical issues with his September 2014 hearing transcript. The case will be returned to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the earliest available opportunity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicides while serving in Thailand, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in service. The Board found the evidence insufficient to establish herbicide exposure during service and denied service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of prostate cancer, prior to July 2, 2012, warranted a 60 percent disability rating effective July 2, 2012. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board has assigned an effective date of October 10, 2005 for the award of service connection for prostate cancer.

The Board has remanded the claims due to additional development and the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing at the Waco VARO.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and loss of teeth as secondary to radiation treatment due to a lack of evidence supporting herbicide exposure during service, and the Veteran's own statements did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and bladder cancer are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to his military service. The skin condition is pending as it relates to a different issue.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and related peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, prostate cancer, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction are all presumed to be due to his exposure to herbicides during service at U-Tapao Airbase in Thailand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in service, and therefore his diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and prostate cancer are presumed to be related to this exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there is no evidence linking these disabilities to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not serve on shore in Vietnam and thus could not be presumed to have been exposed to herbicides. The appellant's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II, due to exposure to herbicide agents were denied.