Prostate cancer decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's radiation exposure caused his prostate cancer. The AOJ must obtain a specific opinion from an oncologist on this issue.

Service connection for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to prostate cancer, PTSD with sleep disorder, night sweats, flashbacks, and depression (PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to PTSD, and hypertension as secondary to PTSD is granted.,Service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, skin disorder, severe headaches, ear and throat disorder, prostate cancer, and PTSD is reopened.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and chronic myeloid leukemia due to exposure to ionizing radiation while stationed in Europe.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for prostate cancer prior to March 22, 2017 was denied. The Veteran's initial rating higher than 40 percent for prostate cancer since March 22, 2017 was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection. However, the issues of service connection for prostate cancer and renal cancer remain unresolved due to lack of definitive information regarding exposure in Vietnam.,Service connection for prostate cancer is remanded as the Veteran served on a ship off the coast of Vietnam during the presumptive period.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's claimed service in the Republic of Vietnam. Additional development is needed to verify his alleged service.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer as the evidence did not support a causal relationship to service, and there was no Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer, peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic peripheral vascular disease, rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange and requests for additional records from Dr. Z.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and review due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's prostate cancer, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, finding that his current condition is related to his military service and resolving any doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and skin cancer, finding that there was no evidence of in-service exposure to ionizing radiation or herbicide agents. The cancers were not shown during service or within one year after separation.

The Board has remanded the case for a new opinion regarding whether the Veteran's prostate cancer is related to service, excluding any alleged pesticide exposure.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance is granted due to his service-connected disabilities, with the Board finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether it is solely due to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 60 percent for residuals of prostate cancer effective February 1, 2016 is denied as the predominant residual is voiding dysfunction which already has the maximum schedular rating.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the evaluation of prostate cancer residuals and PTSD, as well as the effective date for a higher rating. The cause of death issue is also being remanded due to its inextricability with another pending claim.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss and prostate cancer due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for a 100% evaluation for prostate cancer, which was granted in the past, is dismissed due to his death.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the appeals for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ, PTSD, and an initial rating greater than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus due to conflicting evidence regarding current diagnoses and further development is needed.