Prostate cancer decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is being remanded due to the need to verify his participation in Operation Babylift during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for residuals of prostate cancer is being remanded due to incomplete development and the need for updated VA examination.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals result in daytime urinary frequency between one and two hours or awakening to void once per night, without requiring the use of absorbent materials. The Board finds a 20 percent rating is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's prostate was removed due to bladder cancer, not prostate cancer. The VA did not act negligently or carelessly in removing the prostate.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to resolve the conflict in evidence regarding whether or not the Veteran had a service-connected cardiovascular disability, and if so, whether such disability contributed to cause his death. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, post-prostatectomy, is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board found that the evidence is against a finding of prostate cancer and/or hypothyroidism during the pendency of the claim, thus denying service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and colon cancer, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure or ionizing radiation exposure during service. The diseases were not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at 20 percent since June 1, 2012. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed due to herbicide exposure in service. The claim for rheumatoid arthritis has been reopened, but the Board finds insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the condition and service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted service connection on the basis of Agent Orange exposure. The claim for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus was denied as there was no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service exposure.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including an examination to evaluate the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and maintain gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease, prostate cancer, and Parkinson's disease based on the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service. The effective date is not specified in the decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there is no current diagnosis of prostate cancer or BPH, and the preponderance of evidence does not support a connection between his service-connected BPH and Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's prostate cancer and non-malignant thyroid nodular disease are not related to his active service, including ionizing radiation exposure. The claim was denied as there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining information about the Veteran's exposure to toxic chemicals during service and providing an addendum VA opinion. The claims of service connection for prostate cancer (to include as secondary to exposure to herbicides) and erectile dysfunction are pending.

The Board has determined that there is at least a reasonable doubt as to whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed substantially or materially in causing his death due to metastatic prostate cancer. The claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is therefore granted.