Prostate cancer decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for beneficiary travel payment was denied because he did not file his application within the required 30-day period after completing the travel to Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus as due to herbicide exposure, finding that there was no credible evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and lack of evidence regarding herbicide exposure. The Veteran's prostate cancer with erectile dysfunction is being reviewed for possible connection to his military service, including potential exposure to burn pits.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Thailand, was the cause of his death. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death.

The reduction of the evaluation for prostate cancer from 100 percent to 40 percent, effective August 1, 2016, was proper. The Veteran's skin cancer remains under appeal and needs further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is granted, and the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen this claim is also granted. The Board remanded the issue of service connection due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he has been granted a TDIU based on his combined disability rating of 80 percent. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted as due to exposure to herbicide agents during service at the Korat RTAFB in Thailand.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at 20 percent since January 1, 2012. The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation of his service-connected conditions and to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evaluation of the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, including his exposure at Ground Zero. The Veteran is seeking service connection based on new evidence and potential exposure to hazardous dust and toxins.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected prostate cancer and PTSD.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and related erectile dysfunction are rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating. SMC for loss of use of a creative organ is granted.

The Veteran's prostate cancer disability is currently rated at 40 percent from July 28, 2016 to March 21, 2017. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a loss of the sense of smell due to lack of sufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's income exceeds the maximum limit for non-service connected pension benefits and therefore, his claim for nonservice-connected pension is denied. The issue of service connection for prostate cancer is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to radiation or radioactive materials.

The Veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions, including exposure to herbicides. The cause of death was metastatic colon cancer, which did not manifest in service or for many years thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer and right wrist disability due to service connection issues. The prostate cancer claim requires a VA opinion on possible exposure to Agent Orange, while the right wrist claim needs another VA examination to assess its severity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for benign prostate hypertrophy and prostate cancer is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied.,A disability rating of 70% but no higher for adjustment disorder with depressed mood is granted.,The Veteran is granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's death was caused by an intracranial hemorrhage, but the cause of the hemorrhage is unclear. The appellant contends that the Veteran’s service-connected prostate cancer could have led to a metastatic tumor in his brain causing the hemorrhage and ultimately leading to his death. The Board finds this issue has been raised and requires further medical opinion.

The Board granted service connection for prostate cancer, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his service at RTAFB Ubon was credible and presumptive.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from October 1, 2013 to October 30, 2016 due to his service-connected prostate cancer and urinary frequency/incontinence. The issue is dismissed as moot since October 31, 2016.