Prostate cancer decisions — 2017

The Board has found that the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including a chronic low back and cervical spine disability, bilateral shoulder arthritis, residuals of prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, bilateral ankle arthritis, right knee arthritis, and right hip arthritis, have not been substantiated by the evidence of record. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions had onset during active service or are otherwise related to such service.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of prostate cancer are rated at a 40 percent disability rating, which is the highest rating assignable based on urinary frequency symptoms. No other issues were addressed in this decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, presumed due to herbicide exposure in Thailand during the Vietnam era, contributed substantially to his cause of death. The Board finds that service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is warranted.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer in September 2014. The Veteran submitted new evidence, but it was not considered material to reopen the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development regarding service connection claims for thyroid cancer and prostate cancer, including as a result of asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's voiding dysfunction associated with prostate cancer status post radical prostatectomy was rated at worst as 20 percent disabling from August 1, 2012 through March 29, 2016. From March 30, 2016, the disability rating for residuals of prostate cancer based on voiding dysfunction was increased to 40 percent.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals have been rated at 40 percent since October 1, 2015. The evaluation was increased to 60 percent on and after October 1, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his incontinence from prostate cancer, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that entitlement to a TDIU is warranted.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides during service, and the Veteran's prostate cancer was not diagnosed or treated in service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, dysthymia and depressive disorder NOS, a back disability, hypertension, and prostate cancer. The acquired psychiatric disorder is presumed due to herbicide exposure during the Gulf War. Service connection was denied for edema of the lower extremities, heart disability, and dental condition.

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

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has reopened the claims for prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction, but denied both conditions as not related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer was previously denied in May 2009 due to lack of evidence of exposure to herbicides. New evidence submitted since then does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer was received on August 28, 2014. The Board found that no earlier effective date could be granted as the claim was not filed within one year of separation from active duty and did not arise prior to this time.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds it does not warrant a higher rating.,Prior to April 26, 2014, the Veteran's prostate cancer residuals were rated at 40 percent. From that date forward, he is rated at 60 percent. The Board finds these ratings are appropriate based on his symptoms and treatment needs.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not warrant a compensable rating as it can be managed with medication.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran's Paget's disease to service or exposure to herbicides, thus denying service connection for this condition.,While there is some medical opinion suggesting a possible link between the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability and his active duty service, the Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support such a finding.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and hypertension. The evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are manifested by a voiding dysfunction requiring the use of an appliance or the wearing of absorbent materials which must be changed more than four times per day. A renal dysfunction is not demonstrated, and thus a rating in excess of 60 percent for prostate cancer is denied.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction have been granted service connection, with the latter being secondary to his service-connected PTSD.