Prostate cancer decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inconsistencies in medical records and need for updated examinations. The Veteran's prostate cancer is currently rated at 100% disabling, which is the maximum rating available under VA guidelines.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for prostate cancer, to include erectile dysfunction, was denied. The appeal for TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,The Veteran does not meet the criteria for higher SMC due to lack of need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's prostate cancer residuals and his exposure to jet fuel during service.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran died during the appeal process, and his claims for service connection are dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for prostate cancer residuals and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and preparing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of his radiation proctitis.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of service connection for prostate cancer is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding secondary service connection and aggravation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus and coronary artery disease, are of sufficient severity to produce unemployability from November 9, 2010. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury, nerve damage of the low back, type II diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction have all been denied. The claim for residuals of stroke (balance problems) has not been reopened.,Service connection was not granted as there is no evidence linking any current disabilities to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is denied as there is no evidence that his in-service exposure to jet fuel caused or contributed to his condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for prostate cancer, CAD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are now considered reopened due to new evidence received since the final November 2015 rating decision. Service connection is granted on a presumptive basis as the diseases are associated with exposure to herbicide agents during service in Thailand.

The Veteran's granulomatous disease and coronary artery disease are not service-connected as they did not manifest within one year of his active duty.,The Veteran's prostate cancer is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of his active duty. The Veteran also does not have any current symptoms or issues related to prostate cancer that pre-date his diagnosis.,VA has determined that the Veteran was likely exposed to smoke screens during military training, but there is no evidence linking these exposures to the Veteran's current conditions.

The Veteran's death was caused by ileum cancer with metastasis, which is not service-connected. The Board has decided to remand the case due to duty-to-assist errors and a need for a medical opinion regarding whether his military service contributed to his death.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation and service connection have been denied. The effective date of the award for bilateral pes planus has been dismissed.,Service connection for gunshot wounds, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and prostate cancer were all denied.

Compensation for prostate cancer is denied due to lack of causation. Service connection for PTSD is granted based on verified in-service stressors. Rating higher than 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, requiring a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's prostate cancer.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as incurred in service.,Service connection for an acquired mental disorder, right foot disorder, left foot disorder, prostate cancer, and right knee osteoarthritis status post total knee replacement is denied.

The claims for service connection have been remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Veteran's right wrist, left ring or little finger disabilities, obstructive sleep apnea, hallux valgus of the right great toe, and prostate cancer are being reviewed again.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from July 22, 2016 onward. The decision is based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.