Prostate cancer decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied as there were no formal or informal claims received prior to August 21, 2017. The Board found that the evidence did not show a factually ascertainable increase in disability during the one-year period prior to his August 2017 claim.

The Veteran's service connection claims for prostate cancer and ischemic heart disease are granted due to herbicide exposure during service. The Board found that the Veteran had sufficient evidence of herbicide exposure, leading to presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.,Service connection for cervical spine disability is granted based on consistent reports from the Veteran and corroborated by his military occupational specialty.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not manifested by a penile deformity, and he has been granted SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ.,The RO reduced the disability rating for prostate cancer from 100% to 20%, effective December 1, 2018. The reduction was proper as the Veteran's prostate cancer is in remission with no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis.,From December 1, 2018, forward, a rating of 40 percent for residuals of prostate cancer has been granted.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, which he had during his service on the U.S.S. Ernest G. Small in Vietnam, is granted as a result of herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, as they only impacted physical acts of employment and not mental ones.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the failure to obtain certain medical records and for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for prostate cancer and sleep apnea have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his service in Thailand is presumed and thus meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 15, 2017 for the grant of SMC based on aid and attendance due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from September 21, 2011 to April 26, 2013. From April 26, 2013 onwards, a higher rating for PTSD is denied. A TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed. The issues of service connection for a foot rash and prostate cancer are remanded.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are remanded for a higher rating, and his TDIU claim is also remanded due to the potential impact on the prostate cancer rating.

The Veteran's rating for residuals of prostate cancer was reduced from 20% to 10%, effective December 1, 2015. The appeal is denied as the criteria for restoration to a higher rating have not been met.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during active duty in the 12-nautical-mile territorial sea of Vietnam.

The Board dismissed the appeal for entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for prostate cancer, status post radiation and hormonal therapy as the appellant requested withdrawal.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for prostate cancer as it was not fully developed in accordance with a previous remand. The claims will be redeveloped, including obtaining medical records and information about the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted service connection, but his erectile dysfunction claim is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for second metacarpal fracture and prostate cancer have been granted. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claims, but denied both conditions due to lack of in-service injury or aggravation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for prostate cancer and penile condition due to exposure during military service, including ionizing radiation. The Veteran's active duty as a Hercules missile crewman is noted, but further development is needed regarding chemical or radiation exposure.