Prostate cancer decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus as there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service. Service connection for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance of another was granted due to the Veteran's severe memory issues related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer residuals and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have rendered him unemployable prior to July 7, 2014, from September 1, 2014 through October 31, 2016, and since February 1, 2017.

The Veteran's cause of death was cardio-pulmonary arrest due to metastatic prostate cancer, which is linked to his exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death based on new evidence from a private physician.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the whole body, including left and right hip and knee, is denied as there was no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service. The Board will not proceed with final adjudication until a VA examination is conducted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his current skin condition is related to his military service, specifically exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is granted as he has been exposed to herbicide agents during his military service and diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service at Korat RTAFB in Thailand, and therefore grants service connection for prostate cancer as due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and there is no evidence linking his liver cancer to exposure to herbicides. The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for total disability ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer due to exposure to herbicide agents is denied as there was no credible evidence of such exposure during his military service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction are granted service connection, with prostate cancer being presumed due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. Erectile dysfunction is also granted as secondary to the prostate cancer.

The Veteran's initial claims for service connection were received on November 16, 2012. The effective dates of the awards have been set at November 16, 2011.,Coronary artery disease and prostate cancer were awarded with an effective date of November 16, 2011 based on a liberalizing regulation.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and rectal incontinence (diarrhea) as due to prostate cancer treatment, finding that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicides during service and there is no evidence of a relationship between his conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, secondary to herbicide agent exposure is remanded due to insufficient evidence of in-service exposure. The Board requests verification of the Veteran’s claimed exposure while stationed at Norton Air Force Base.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals with erectile dysfunction, on the basis of substitution, are granted a 40 percent disability rating effective June 24, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and prostate cancer, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 13, 2014.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at 40 percent effective July 2, 2012. The rating is based on urinary frequency causing awakening to void five or more times per night.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic prostate cancer, but the Board is unable to determine if this condition was related to his service exposure to herbicides. The appeal will be remanded for further investigation and verification of the Veteran's alleged exposures.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an opinion regarding herbicide exposure at Fort Drum in 1968. The Veteran's claims for heart disability and prostate cancer secondary to herbicide exposure are pending.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating for prostate cancer from 100 percent to 20 percent effective October 1, 2015 was proper based on the cessation of radiation treatment.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus type II has been reopened. The Board found that new evidence had been submitted, but the appeal is remanded to determine if there are any residuals from the prostate cancer.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with an effective date of January 16, 2007. He is also granted a 100% rating for his PTSD and total disability compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC). The issue of an extraschedular TDIU prior to January 16, 2007 remains outstanding.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma due to incomplete service treatment records, and a need for an examination by an appropriate clinician.