Prostate cancer decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection, a higher rating for ED and SMC, and prostate cancer are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations. The service connection claim is based on direct evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and the need for a VA examination regarding the relationship between the Veteran's impotency/low sperm count and a softball injury during service. The claim will be reconsidered based on radiation exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and PTSD have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support a relationship between the Veteran’s current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for residuals of prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction has been granted. The Veteran now receives a 60% rating for his prostate cancer, based on urinary incontinence requiring absorbent materials changed more than four times per day, and a 20% rating for his erectile dysfunction.

This case is remanded due to the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability, including gout. However, the claim of service connection for prostate cancer is remanded due to insufficient development regarding exposure to herbicide agents in Guam.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is denied as there was no service connection due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam, and the evidence does not show a direct link between his service and the condition.

The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer are rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to November 25, 2016. The rating for PTSD was increased to 70 percent from that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer and stroke residuals is granted, with the prostate cancer being linked to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The stroke claim remains denied.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for prostate cancer because the new evidence did not show a link between the condition and service or radiation exposure.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure as there was no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals were rated at a maximum of 40 percent from August 26, 2013. The Board found that the Veteran's urinary frequency warranted this rating based on his competent lay statements and medical evidence.

The Board dismissed the appeal of hypertension. The claim for service connection for thyroid condition secondary to asbestos exposure and/or herbicide exposure was reopened, but the issue remains remanded due to lack of evidence regarding Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed due to herbicide exposure during service. He also has erectile dysfunction as a result of his prostate cancer, which qualifies him for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction are not rated higher than the current 20 percent for residuals of prostate cancer, status-post radiation therapy. The erectile dysfunction is not rated higher than noncompensable.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer and its residuals, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his active military service is presumed. Service connection was also granted for hypertension as secondary to PTSD, with a VA examination recommended to determine if there is any other etiology.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, finding that the Veteran's prostate cancer is not causally or etiologically related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during service. The evidence did not show significant occupational exposure to contaminants and there was no scientific link between such exposure and prostate cancer.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea has been reopened, and the Board grants a new rating. The claims for increased ratings for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy are all denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, a compensable rating for residuals of prostate cancer, and a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction due to inadequate analysis in previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for prostate cancer, as well as his TDIU claim due to unresolved issues with missing records and a need for updated medical evidence.