Prostate cancer decisions — 2018

The Veteran's prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and cardiovascular disability (claimed as ischemic heart disease) have been granted service connection.,However, further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's cardiovascular disability is related to his exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran’s claimed conditions, including sleep apnea, heart disability, hypertension, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, and Parkinson's disease, all of which were presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure. The Board found that there was no credible evidence supporting the Veteran's claims of in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and prostate cancer due to herbicide exposure, as well as the claim for cause of death. The remand requires further verification of the Veteran's claimed in-service exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease with coronary artery bypass, migraine headaches, hernia, and tinnitus, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since August 8, 2011.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital were approved due to the presence of a 'medical emergency' and the inability of VA facilities to provide care, as they were full and no beds were available.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction. The claims for rectal incontinence and urinary incontinence are remanded as further development is needed.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection of prostate cancer has been granted. His claim for service connection of an eye disorder, including glaucoma, is denied. The Board has found the evidence insufficient to determine if prostate cancer is secondary to service-connected anemia and remanded for further clarification.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction are rated based on their current manifestations.,Service connection for the cause of death is remanded, as well as TDIU prior to May 14, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected residuals of prostate cancer prior to May 6, 2013 and 20 percent thereafter is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer and diabetes do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right hip condition, alcohol use disorder (claimed as a nervous disorder), and erectile dysfunction was denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of prostate cancer, status post prostatectomy, rated 60 percent since September 1, 2012, is granted.

The Veteran's death was not caused by service-connected conditions, and there is no evidence of exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune. Service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Veteran's appeal to establish clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the May 2004 rating decision that granted service connection for prostate cancer residuals was denied. The Board found no CUE as the effective date of March 10, 2004 was consistent with the evidence then of record and properly applied the governing laws and regulations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during service. The VA needs to verify if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while serving aboard the USS John R. Craig in Vietnam’s inland waterways.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for a VA examination. The Veteran's prostate cancer is being reviewed based on his exposure to chemical agents during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased ratings due to insufficient notice being provided to the appellant. The claims will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer due to herbicide exposure, finding that he was exposed to herbicides while aboard the USS Hornet during his active duty.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to prostate cancer, finding that the Veteran's prostate cancer is not related to his service or a presumptive exposure to herbicide agents or radiation. The ED was also not found to be related to any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted as due to herbicide exposure while stationed at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional information from the Veteran.