Prostate cancer decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding service connection for erectile dysfunction and whether it is related to exposure at Camp Lejeune or medication for service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeals for service connection of prostate cancer, face and ear cancer, and erectile dysfunction due to a failure to timely file a substantive appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional medical records and an examination to determine the current status of the Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and prostate cancer, preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's explosive disorder and adjustment disorder are found to be service-connected.,PTSD is also found to be service-connected. Prostate cancer, left big toe disorder, low back disorder, GERD, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome were not found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for a right scapula shell fragment wound was denied. A separate evaluation of 10 percent for the same condition in Muscle Group I was granted. The appeal for erectile dysfunction was withdrawn by the Veteran. The appeal for prostate cancer and left ilio-inguinal nerve disability were both denied. An evaluation of 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for prostate cancer status post radical prostatectomy from 100 to 60 percent effective August 1, 2017 was proper.

The Veteran's appeal is granted as his VA Form 9 was timely filed, and the claim for service connection for congestive heart failure, diabetes, neuropathy, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer is decided on the merits.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The issues of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, a lung disorder, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and type II diabetes mellitus are remanded due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's lung disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's prostate cancer is remanded due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is remanded due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is currently in remission and rated at 20 percent for voiding dysfunction. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not warrant a 40 percent rating based on urinary frequency.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's proximity to the air base perimeter and maintenance duties.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a bilateral 'shakie leg' condition is reopened, and the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for scars associated with prostate cancer is remanded. The issue of entitlement to effective date for hearing loss service connection is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for Prostate Cancer and Type II Diabetes Mellitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to exposure to herbicide agents, specifically dioxin in Agent Orange, while stationed in Thailand during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection was reopened due to new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for PTSD, but denied for other conditions including brain tumor, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and hemithyroidectomy.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran served in the 12-nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam, which is required for presumptive service connection for prostate cancer.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease and prostate cancer are granted due to exposure to herbicides during his period of active duty training (ACDUTRA) at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas in July 1967. The Board found that the evidence is in equipoise regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange, which allows for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD and prostate cancer have been rated based on their service-connected status. The Board has found that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition, and has remanded several issues related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, rectal cancer, and prostate cancer due to potential service connection based on exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's blood in urine/stool and weak bladder are also being considered as secondary to his rectal cancer and prostate cancer.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and erectile dysfunction were denied service connection as they are not related to his military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, psychiatric disorders (including anxiety disorder and PTSD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease due to the Veteran's death.