Prostate cancer decisions — 2019

The Veteran's lung cancer, prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus are found to be at least as likely as not related to exposure to herbicide agents during service in Thailand. The peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is also found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates in all three issues: TDIU, SMC based on housebound status, and DEA benefits. The reasons were that these issues had already been decided by a final January 2019 decision.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and type II diabetes mellitus, finding no evidence of onset or causation during active service or due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of prostate cancer, status post radical prostatectomy is granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The Board found that the Veteran had served in Vietnam and was therefore presumed exposed to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, which is manifested by voiding dysfunction requiring the wearing of absorbent materials that must be changed less than twice daily, has been granted a disability evaluation of 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer as due to herbicide exposure, based on the Veteran's credible statements regarding his duties near the perimeter of Udorn RTAFB in Thailand.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of PTSD, service connection for prostate cancer and bone cancer were denied. The cause of death (prostate cancer) was not related to service-connected conditions.,PTSD was listed as an underlying cause of death but the VA psychologist found no evidence linking it to the development or progression of prostate cancer.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to prostate cancer due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating for hypertension has been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected Major Depressive Disorder prior to January 31, 2017 was denied as his symptoms did not warrant such a rating.,A 70 percent disability rating for service-connected Major Depressive Disorder from January 31, 2017 onwards has been granted. The Veteran's TDIU claim effective March 27, 2015 has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected conditions are related to his military service, specifically his time stationed at Korat RTAFB.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction as secondary to prostate cancer, and special monthly compensation due to loss of use of a creative organ.

The Veteran's fecal incontinence is granted a separate rating of 30 percent, but no higher. The issue of a rating in excess of 40 percent for residuals of prostate cancer is remanded.

The Board has decided that there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's current prostate disorder is related to his military service, and thus remanded for further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure to hazardous materials, including toxic chemicals, herbicide agents, asbestos, PCB, and other toxins. The VA will attempt to verify these exposures and schedule appropriate examinations if necessary.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including skin condition, right and left eye vision impairment, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, left knee disability, lumbar spine arthritis, and prostate cancer. The evidence did not meet the criteria for direct service connection in most cases.

The Veteran's death was not caused by, or substantially or materially contributed to, a service-connected disability. The criteria for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities were not met.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and prostate cancer should be remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II due to exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence of herbicide agent exposure or a link between his conditions and active duty.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 27, 2015 for the grant of service connection for prostate cancer. The earliest date of claim is determined to be January 27, 2015.