Prostate cancer decisions — 2018

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides while serving on ships in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction do not render him unemployable, as his employability issues are due to nonservice-connected conditions.

Service connection is granted for ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer due to herbicide exposure. Service connection is also granted for hypertension secondary to ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and its associated prostatitis were rated at 100% effective as of March 26, 2014.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction and incontinence, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed due to his Vietnam Era service.

The Veteran's lung disease and prostate cancer claims are reopened, but service connection is granted for asbestos-related pleural plaques only. The lung disease claim remains pending as remanded.

The Veteran's need for higher level of aid and attendance is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rate under Section 1114(r) due to lack of anatomical loss or use, blindness, or significant disabilities exceeding the requirements for any of the rates prescribed in this section.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease and prostate cancer, both claimed to be due to herbicide agent exposure during service. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence of in-service injury or disease, continuous symptoms since separation from service, or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is still active and subject to recurrence, as his PSA has increased since the last VA examination. The Board orders a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the condition.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development as there may be outstanding VA treatment records that need to be obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, finding that the Veteran's in-service exposure to ionizing radiation caused his current condition. The opinion provided by Dr. EM is considered more probative and supports a causal relationship between the Veteran's exposure during service and his prostate cancer.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and brain tumor were not found to be related to his military service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer due to exposure to radiation in service, finding no medical evidence linking the condition to service or to ionizing radiation exposure.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, tinnitus, and prostate cancer. The VA needs to obtain additional evidence and provide updated medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The rating for prostate cancer residuals was reduced from 100% to 40%, effective August 1, 2010. The Veteran's condition is now rated as 40% due to voiding dysfunction requiring absorbent materials that must be changed two to four times per day.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional information about the Veteran's service at Don Muang and U-Tapao RTAFBs in Thailand, specifically regarding his duties as an aircraft technician.

The Veteran's cause of death, metastatic prostate cancer, was not found to be related to his military service or herbicide exposure. The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's prostate cancer has not been declared cured, and he continues to experience symptoms such as leakage urgency, erectile dysfunction, and diarrhea. The VA is instructed to schedule a VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.