Prostate cancer decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for service-connected prostate cancer residuals and PTSD was denied. For prostate cancer, the rating prior to November 10, 2018 is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on urinary leakage or frequency. For PTSD, the rating of 50 percent is denied.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to new and material evidence not being submitted, as no evidence was provided that linked prostate cancer to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent from August 1, 2015 for residuals of prostate cancer were denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a physical deformity of the penis for erectile dysfunction, and his residuals of prostate cancer do not require him to wear absorbent materials more than twice per day or awaken to void five times per night.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate cancer is service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in the waters surrounding Vietnam. The decision grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and its residuals are service connected, as is his erectile dysfunction. However, the bilateral shoulder condition and back condition need further examination to determine if they are related to service.

The Board has decided that the reduction in disability rating for prostate cancer from 100% to 0% was proper. The claim of entitlement to increased rating for residuals of prostate cancer is remanded. The claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction, which may be related to diabetes mellitus and/or exposure to herbicides, is also remanded. The claim of entitlement to SMC based on need for aid and attendance is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and examination, including obtaining updated medical evidence and VA examinations.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and ischemic heart disease are presumed to have been incurred during his active service in Thailand due to exposure to herbicides.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the Veteran does not meet VA disability compensation criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, finding insufficient evidence to link his current diagnosis with exposure to cadmium in service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer and associated residuals due to herbicide exposure must be remanded as his military personnel records are incomplete.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The issues include ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted as incurred in service due to herbicide exposure while stationed near the perimeter of Thai military bases.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals, type II diabetes mellitus (DM), and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy have been granted service connection due to herbicide agent exposure in the Republic of Vietnam. The heart condition appeal has been dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, due to herbicide exposure, is being remanded due to the need to verify his presence in Vietnam and confirm the location of photographs he submitted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for prostate cancer is granted, and the Board finds that his prostate cancer is etiologically related to his military service. The erectile dysfunction claim is remanded as it may be due to or aggravated by the service-connected prostate cancer.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for prostate cancer service connection was denied as the earliest possible effective date is May 24, 2013.

The Veteran's prostate and bladder cancers were not manifest during service or until many years thereafter, thus the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his reported exposure to toxic chemicals at March Air Force Base. The claims are pending until all requested records, including VA and private medical records, as well as information regarding contaminants at the base, are obtained.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and skin cancer as the evidence did not support a relationship to active service.,There is no direct evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for prostate cancer, which was linked to herbicide exposure, has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.