Prostate cancer decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and the evidence is in equipoise as to whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not involve loss of use of one or both feet, loss of use of one or both hands, permanent impairment of vision of both eyes, a severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or ankylosis of one or both knees or one or both hips. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for eligibility for automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve on a ship that was subject to the presumption of herbicide exposure, and therefore cannot establish service connection for his claimed conditions based on this presumption.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his exposure to herbicide agents and toxic fumes during service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer, respiratory disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, sinusitis, nerve condition, and headaches, all allegedly due to exposure to mustard gas, herbicide agents, and/or other chemicals and/or toxins during active duty. The Board has determined that further development is needed regarding the Veteran's claimed exposures.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The Board has remanded the remaining issues for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records.

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

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, cold injury, irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids. The effective date for this decision is February 11, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records related to the Veteran's claims of service connection for coronary artery disease and prostate cancer due to exposure to contaminated groundwater and chemical exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have any residuals of cold weather injuries to his hands and feet, nor has he been diagnosed with a psychiatric disability or prostate cancer. The claim for service connection was denied as there is no evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for the claimed conditions, including diabetes mellitus, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, prostate cancer, or hypertension. The Veteran's claims were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer, post-operative radical prostatectomy were rated at 60 percent prior to August 1, 2013. The rating was reduced to 40 percent from November 21, 2013. The Board found that the reduction in rating was not proper and restored the original 60 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer, both associated with herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), based on the presumption of service connection.

The Veteran's claims have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeals for stomach cancer, earlier effective date for prostate cancer rating, higher ratings for anemia, and earlier effective date for pruritus ani rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck condition. The claim of service connection for prostate cancer is reopened, but further development is needed to determine if new and material evidence has been received.

The Veteran's appeal is currently pending and requires additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected prostate cancer. The issue of reducing his evaluation from 100% to 20% remains on hold until further notice.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for additional development regarding his exposure to chemicals in service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals have been rated as 20 percent prior to January 22, 2013, and 60 percent since then. The Veteran's prostatectomy scar has not met the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate cancer is not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have actual exposure to herbicides during his service in Korea and thus, could not establish presumptive service connection for prostate cancer or diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claims were denied.