Prostate cancer decisions — 2017

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals, including voiding dysfunction symptoms such as frequent urination and nocturia, were found to warrant a higher initial disability rating of 20 percent prior to August 30, 2013.

The Veteran's prostate cancer reduction from 100% to 20% was proper due to remission of the disease. The issue of increased rating and service connection for folliculitis with underlying asteatotic dermatitis are not addressed as they relate to the reduction decision.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals were rated as 60 percent disabling effective September 22, 2011. The Board found that an evaluation in excess of 60 percent was not warranted for the period after this date.,For the period prior to September 22, 2011, the Veteran's prostate cancer residuals included voiding dysfunction requiring absorbent pads changed more than four times per day, warranting a 60 percent rating. The Board found that resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant resulted in this higher rating.

The Veteran's attorney has withdrawn the appeal for an increased evaluation for prostate cancer status post radical prostatectomy.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, arranging for a VA examination by a psychiatrist to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work, and considering all evidence in adjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction are being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an opinion from the VA Under Secretary for Health regarding whether the Veteran's prostate cancer is related to ionizing radiation exposure in service. The appeal will be returned after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the etiology of his hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and prostate cancer.

The Veteran seeks service connection for prostate cancer as due to herbicide exposure. The appeal is currently remanded to verify the Veteran's claimed exposure in Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for residuals of prostate cancer to include bladder cancer associated with herbicide exposure is denied. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's residuals included renal dysfunction, and his laboratory findings show normal BUN and creatinine levels.

The Veteran's prostate cancer may be related to his service at Camp Lejeune, and the Board has ordered a remand for further development. The myocardial infarction claim is also on appeal and requires additional examination and opinion.

The Board found that the Veteran's colon and prostate cancer are not related to his military service, including exposure to asbestos. The low back disability is considered a pre-existing condition.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and tinnitus as presumed due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals have been rated at 10 percent prior to February 9, 2012; 40 percent from February 9, 2012 to May 19, 2015; and 60 percent beginning May 20, 2015. The Veteran is entitled to a rating of 60 percent or higher for the period beginning May 20, 2015.

The Veteran claims service connection for prostate cancer, including as a result of exposure to herbicides or other toxic chemicals. The case is REMANDED due to the need for additional verification of his alleged exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure and insufficient medical nexus to establish a direct relationship between his current condition and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate cancer is not etiologically related to service, including exposure to ionizing radiation or trichloroethylene in service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for prostate cancer is denied.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on housebound status beyond December 1, 2012. He has a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent due to diabetes mellitus and its associated conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic lymphocytic leukemia, prostate cancer, and skin cancer are related to his service exposure to benzene. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension all claimed due to exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's service records do not indicate any actual exposure to herbicide agents during his service.,Arthritis of the hands and back was also denied as it did not become manifest within one year of service.