Prostate cancer decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 5, 2013 for prostate cancer was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a skin disability due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to multiple conditions, including cancer and sepsis. The Board found that the Veteran served during a period of war and thus met one criterion for entitlement to VA death pension benefits. However, his income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate, preventing him from receiving this benefit.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, left knee disability, tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disability (dementia), liver disease, and prostate cancer. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions were related to his active service.,There was no indication of onset during service or causation due to in-service activities such as climbing, jumping, and physical duties.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, particularly from his primary care providers.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and shrapnel wound to scrotum with acute epididymitis, preclude him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment as of June 1, 2012. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU have been met.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his prostate cancer residuals was denied, with the effective date remaining unchanged at August 27, 2012.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and bladder disorder claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's prostate cancer has been rated at 10 percent since December 1, 2015. The RO reduced the rating from 20 percent to 10 percent effective December 1, 2015. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected prostate cancer disability and whether it includes voiding dysfunction and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and prostate cancer due to herbicide exposure, with the erectile dysfunction secondary to prostate cancer also being granted. The Veteran's current disabilities are considered presumptively related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's prostate cancer did not manifest in service or for many years thereafter and is not otherwise causally related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has reopened the claims for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and hypertension due to new evidence showing potential exposure during service. However, as there was no actual exposure to herbicides or other presumed conditions in Vietnam, these claims are denied.

The Veteran is granted a higher 60 percent disability rating for bowel incontinence and his service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to ensure a complete record prior to adjudicating the Veteran's claims. This includes obtaining any outstanding VA treatment records, scheduling an appropriate VA examination for each issue on appeal, and considering whether service connection can be granted based on direct evidence of a link between current disabilities and service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's prostate cancer and melanoma are related to his active service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The case is therefore being remanded for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, actinic keratosis, hypertension, colon polyps, and cataracts due to exposure to radio transmission radiation during active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete information and need for a comprehensive examination of the Veteran's employment capacity given his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure during active duty in Thailand.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims on appeal can be considered, including obtaining a VA examination and determining whether there is evidence of exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including lumbar strain, a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, residuals of prostate cancer, bilateral leg condition, sleep apnea, and headaches. The effective date for these benefits is July 25, 2013.

The Board has remanded the claims due to a failure to comply with previous directives for dose assessment and further consideration in accordance with 38 C.F.R. § 3.311.