Prostate cancer decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, lower left and right extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a left eye condition due to herbicide exposure. The claims are being returned for further development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's cause of death was found to be multifactorial, with prostate cancer and hypertension contributing substantially or materially. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at 60 percent, effective August 1, 2017. The discontinuance of the 100 percent evaluation for prostate cancer is denied.

The Veteran's prostate cancer rating was reduced from 100% to 0%, effective July 1, 2014. A new rating of 60% for the period since July 25, 2018 is granted.

The Veteran's service connection for prostate cancer residuals is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals were rated at a maximum of 60 percent from June 27, 2016 to October 18, 2018. The Board found that the Veteran's urinary incontinence required absorbent materials changed more than four times per day during this period.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for COPD, prostate cancer, and hypertension due to a lack of VA treatment records. The Veteran's surviving spouse is now processing these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his claimed exposure to herbicide agents during service. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran's in-service exposure and obtain a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between his conditions and service.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, finding that the evidence did not establish exposure to herbicide agents or a link between the condition and service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for prostate cancer, type II diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, left hand and wrist disorder, and right hand and wrist disorder are all granted. The issues of service connection for hypertension and bilateral hand and wrist disorders are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for hypertension, prostate cancer, headaches, and other conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development and consideration of his claims, including service connection for a skin disability. The Board finds the VA examiner’s opinion inadequate due to lack of discussion on in-service treatment and lay statements.

The Board has remanded the claims for total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) due to incomplete development and procedural issues. The TDIU claim is being referred to VA's Director of Compensation Services for extraschedular consideration.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer as there was no evidence of a nexus between the condition and service, including herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base and therefore grants service connection for prostate cancer as due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for prostate cancer, including as due to ionizing radiation exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70% rating for the entire appeal period. Service connection for prostate cancer due to Agent Orange exposure is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and for an effective date earlier than April 28, 2017 for the 40 percent rating for residuals of prostate cancer due to a lack of recent VA examinations.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of service connection for prostate cancer, due to herbicide exposure, needs further development and is therefore remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a testicle disorder claimed as secondary to service-connected prostate cancer. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied.