Prostate cancer decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer due to lack of a causal link between the condition and military service. The Veteran's esophageal, stomach, back, and right hip disorders are remanded for further examination and medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from February 1, 2012, to July 25, 2013. The Board granted TDIU based on the combined effects of his prostate cancer and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's brachial plexopathy, including whether it is related to his military service or prostate cancer. The issue of an increased rating for prostate cancer also requires a statement of the case.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for prostate cancer due to new evidence, but denied the claim as there is no credible evidence of exposure to Agent Orange during service.

Your claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding your exposure to herbicides in Vietnam and VA treatment records.

The Board has identified multiple issues for remand due to the addition of new VA medical records not previously considered in the decision.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for prostate cancer has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, as he did not have any service-connected conditions that contributed to his death. The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Veteran's spousal aid and attendance allowance for accrued benefits purposes is granted. The DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318, to include based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in multiple rating decisions, and the service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death are both remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate cancer is related to his exposure to chemical agents during service, including TCE. As a result, service connection for prostate cancer is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected prostate cancer, which led to an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence is in equipoise and thus supports granting service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The reduction in the rating for prostate cancer from 100 percent to 40 percent, effective May 1, 2012, was proper. The discontinuance of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on schedular housebound requirements effective May 1, 2012, was also proper.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not shown to be related to service, including ionizing radiation exposure. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding for service connection on a direct basis.,For his dry eye syndrome and meibomianitis, the Board remanded as there is insufficient development regarding whether these conditions involve the lacrimal glands, cornea or conjunctiva.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, finding that there was insufficient evidence to establish exposure to toxic herbicides during the Veteran's service. The Board also found that the medical evidence did not support a direct link between the disabilities and service.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer as the evidence did not establish a link to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, and service connection for a heart disorder due to exposure to herbicide agents are granted. The claims for low back disorder, right shoulder disorder, and headaches are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, prostate cancer residuals, sphincter control impairment, erectile dysfunction, and hemorrhoids, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to incomplete information regarding his service dates and medical records. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for kidney cysts, service connection for prostate cancer, and service connection for hepatitis B are being sent back for further development.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including those related to various joint and musculoskeletal issues as well as tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, lactose intolerance, prostate cancer, and its residuals. The Veteran's service in the Persian Gulf is noted.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for urinary residuals of prostate cancer was denied. The appeal is based on the disability being rated as noncompensable prior to December 5, 2017, and as 20 percent disabling from that day forward.