Prostate cancer decisions — 2018

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals warrant a 60 percent disability rating, rather than the proposed 40 percent reduction. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for prostate cancer and bladder cancer. The claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's prostate cancer residuals should be remanded for further evaluation due to outstanding records and conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has determined that additional medical records are needed to fully evaluate the Veteran's claims, and a new VA examination is required for several issues. The effective date of service connection for migraine headaches remains under review.

The Veteran's death was not related to his service-connected disabilities, and therefore the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is denied. The appellant's entitlement to DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is also denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating.

The Board dismissed the appeals of the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, as well as his requests for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status prior to July 18, 2017.

The Board has remanded both issues for further action, including obtaining a new medical opinion regarding the cause of death and clarifying the Appellant's income information.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and SMC due to incomplete records, particularly regarding his prostate cancer residuals. The Veteran needs to provide authorization for VA to obtain private medical records related to his treatment since 2010, including urological care. A new examination is also needed to assess the current severity of his prostate cancer residuals.

The Board found that the reduction in the rating for prostate cancer from 100 percent to 20 percent, effective December 1, 2015, was proper as there was no evidence of continued active malignancy or recurrence of prostate cancer.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating in excess of 50 percent for sleep apnea is denied. The Veteran's appeal to restore a 100% disability rating for prostate cancer is also denied due to the correct procedures being followed and evidence showing improvement.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his death to any incident of active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange and the cause of his death. The VA is instructed to seek further clarification from the JSRRC and provide the Veteran’s medical records for review by a clinician.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at a 60 percent evaluation, effective April 1, 2016. The appeal is remanded for further review of the issues.

The Board has remanded several issues related to accrued benefits, including service connection and rating for various conditions. The appellant is being asked to provide additional information regarding private treatment records and a VA addendum opinion on the cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for prostate cancer residuals was denied as his condition has stabilized with a 60% disability rating. The issue of TDIU prior to July 1, 2014 is moot due to the presence of other service-connected disabilities preventing him from working. For the period after July 1, 2014, the Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his combined disability rating did not meet the threshold requirement for a schedular TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, and tension headaches have been granted. The Veteran's claim for a heart disorder has been denied. Other issues related to his service-connected conditions or disabilities are being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied compensation for insomnia as a result of the Veteran's prostate cancer, finding that there was no evidence of insomnia and that the Veteran did not have a qualifying additional disability under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, urinary incontinence, bilateral cataracts, and hypothyroidism as these conditions are not related to the Veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation during his military service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II are granted service connection. The effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied.