Prostate cancer decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer residuals, finding that there was no evidence of penile deformity or significant voiding dysfunction to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has dismissed the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and lymph node disability. The remand includes obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions and their relationship to service-connected colon cancer residuals.

Service connection is granted for prostate cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The lumbar spine disability, erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus issues are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases of prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete information or need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to his death. The claims are not considered active as the appellant is deceased.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 50 percent prior to December 6, 2018. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU for the period prior to November 13, 2013.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed because he is already receiving a 100% disability rating and SMC, so the TDIU would not provide any additional benefits.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that there was no evidence linking his death to his active service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is rated noncompensable, but his prostate cancer residuals are rated at 40 percent.,The effective dates for the grants of service connection and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ are both May 27, 2017.

The Board has decided that further development is needed before the cause of death claim can be adjudicated, specifically regarding whether the Veteran's prostate cancer radiation treatment caused or aggravated his bladder cancer.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and prostate cancer are granted service connection based on herbicide exposure during service. Skin cancer and vitiligo are also granted service connection due to herbicide exposure. The retina disability and bladder cysts remain in dispute and require further examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records from Dr. Monahan and a legible copy of the December 2018 correspondence from Dr. Drummond, before these claims can be adjudicated.

The Board has withdrawn the issue of entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer. The issues of bilateral feet fungus, bilateral hearing loss disability, and erectile dysfunction are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer and chronic osteomyelitis, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service. Prostate cancer is linked to ionizing radiation exposure in support of the Degelen Mountain Tunnel Closure Project in Kazakhstan, while chronic osteomyelitis is considered secondary to the service-connected prostate cancer.

The appeal for PTSD service connection is dismissed as the Board has already granted it. The appeal for a higher initial rating for prostate cancer is also dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of bilateral hearing loss has been granted, effective August 14, 2018.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted based on new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance because there was no evidence that his service-connected disabilities rendered him bedridden or helpless to the extent he needed regular assistance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for prostate cancer, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure at Korat RTAFB and thus no presumption of exposure applies. The Veteran's contentions regarding herbicide exposure were not supported by credible evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including skin disorders, prostate cancer, cardiac disorder, diabetes mellitus, and foot disorders. The remand requires verification of exposure to pesticides or insecticides, such as DDT and Lindane, during service in Korea.