Prostate cancer decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral athlete's foot, low back strain, and prostate cancer are not service-connected. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or exposure to herbicides or other environmental contaminants.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not shown to be related to service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.

From October 1, 2012 to July 25, 2013, the Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.,From July 26, 2013 to December 17, 2013, the Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer met the criteria for a 40 percent disability rating but not higher due to urinary frequency and daytime voiding intervals less than one hour.,Since December 18, 2013, the Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer have required more than four changes per day in absorbent materials and nighttime voiding five or more times per night, warranting a 60 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, including any residuals, is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the medical records do not support a link between his active duty service and his condition.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was rated at 20 percent prior to September 9, 2008. The RO has now determined that the Veteran is entitled to a 100 percent rating for his prostate cancer from September 9, 2008.,For the period on appeal prior to September 9, 2008, the Veteran's prostate cancer was at worst manifested by voiding dysfunction. The RO has now determined that the Veteran is entitled to a 100 percent rating for his prostate cancer from September 9, 2008.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed related to his exposure to herbicide agents while serving at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB), Thailand, from October 1968 to October 1969.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, lung cancer, hypertension, brain aneurysm, irregular heartbeat, headaches, and sleep disturbance are not supported by the evidence of record. The conditions have either no direct link to military service or do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection based on exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for temporary total rating, service connection for COPD, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The claim for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease and PTSD with depression was not addressed as it involves issues referred to another RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, which necessitates a grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, esophageal cancer, and prostate cancer as related to in-service asbestos exposure. Bilateral hearing loss is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including verification of exposure and VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his prostate cancer, psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and eye disability.

The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer, status-post radical prostatectomy, have been rated as 10 percent disabling from July 29, 2004 to July 16, 2006 and as 40 percent disabling from July 17, 2006. The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer are currently evaluated at the maximum available rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction associated with the condition have been denied as there is no evidence supporting higher disability ratings based on current symptoms.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and PTSD. Diabetes mellitus is presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Prostate cancer is also presumed as it is linked to the same exposure. PTSD is secondary to his service-connected disabilities.,High blood sugar is not a separate condition but rather a symptom of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, including as due to herbicide exposure, was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have service in Vietnam and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during his naval service. Prostate cancer was not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and there is no competent evidence suggesting a relationship between this disability and his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, erectile dysfunction and hypertension have been denied as there is no credible evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other confirmed Agent Orange exposure. The conditions were not diagnosed until many years after service.