Prostate cancer decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD, an earlier effective date for prostate cancer service connection, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus contributed substantially or materially to cause his death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The issue of DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed as the Appellant withdrew her appeal.

The Veteran's GAD has been granted an increased rating to 50 percent effective January 29, 2014. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and residuals of prostate cancer have been established as a result of herbicide exposure in service. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities is also established as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not incurred in service, and the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer disability were shown to have symptoms prior to August 9, 2017, which warranted a compensable rating. Beginning August 9, 2017, the Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer disability were shown to warrant a 20 percent rating.

The Board restored the Veteran's 100 percent rating for prostate cancer status post radical prostatectomy, finding that there was no actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of work and life.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is not service-connected as it did not develop during or within one year after his military service, and there is no evidence linking the condition to his time in service.,His erectile dysfunction and psychiatric disorders are also not service-connected, with the Board finding that the primary disability (prostate cancer) is not connected to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicide agents during service, and thus could not establish service connection for his type II diabetes mellitus or prostate cancer based on such exposure. The preponderance of evidence is against both claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bladder and prostate cancer, finding that there is no reasonable possibility that these cancers were incurred during or aggravated by his in-service exposure to ionizing radiation. The evidence does not support a direct link between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new examinations and the acquisition of updated medical records.

The Board denied the claim as the Veteran's suicide was not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claims of service connection for residuals of herbicide exposure, including prostate cancer, impotence, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and a heart disorder. The evidence received since the final rating decisions does not establish new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for metastatic prostate cancer was denied as the evidence did not establish a link between his current condition and his military service, including exposure to chemicals.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted, and his bilateral hearing loss claim remains denied. The low back disability issue has been remanded for further examination. Service connection is established for tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. Other claims remain pending.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his acquired psychiatric disorder and chronic liver disease, have rendered him unable to work. Effective October 14, 2009, he is granted a TDIU and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, as they are not related to his military service. The peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities have also been denied due to lack of a service onset.

The Veteran's service connection claim for prostate cancer is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his military service at Takhli RTAFB.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be aggravated by his service-connected erectile dysfunction, and the claim for depression secondary to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and residuals from prostate removal are being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and providing the Veteran with an opportunity to have a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer are manifested by urinary frequency resulting in a daytime voiding interval between one and two hours but do not require the wearing of absorbent materials or any awakening to void during the night. The criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.