Prostate cancer decisions — 2020

The Veteran's prostate cancer rating was reduced from 100% to 20%, effective November 1, 2017. The Board found that the reduction was proper as there was no evidence of active prostate cancer after radiation treatment.,For the period from November 1, 2017 to March 20, 2020, a rating in excess of 20% for prostate cancer residuals (voiding dysfunction) is denied. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for prostate cancer residuals and erectile dysfunction associated with prostate cancer, finding that there was no evidence of residual symptoms or deformities to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals, including urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction requiring an appliance, are rated at 60 percent from April 13, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer as due to herbicide exposure, finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Thailand and that his current diagnosis of prostate cancer is presumed related to this exposure.

The Board denied the appellant's appeal as her VA Form 9 was not received within the required time frame following the October 2015 Statement of the Case, which addressed claims for service connection and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for renal cancer and prostate cancer, as both conditions are alleged to be related to ionizing radiation exposure during his military service. The claims will need further development including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with depressive features is rated at 50 percent prior to January 26, 2015 and denied thereafter. The Veteran also received a TDIU rating effective October 17, 2007.,Effective October 17, 2007, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied service connection for a heart disability and remanded the claim of service connection for prostate cancer. The decision on the heart disability is due to lack of evidence linking it to service, while the prostate cancer issue requires further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer due to in-service exposure to ionizing radiation, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's prostate cancer is related to his military service. The effective date and rating have not been assigned yet.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, lung cancer, and erectile dysfunction due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune as the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, finding that the Veteran's condition did not have its clinical onset during active service or within one year of discharge and is not otherwise related to a period of active service. The Board also found no link between the Veteran's exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and his prostate cancer.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and DMII due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during his active military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore his claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis since August 1, 2013 is denied.

Ischemic heart disease was granted service connection effective February 22, 2011.,Urinary incontinence (as a residual of prostate cancer) was denied an earlier effective date prior to December 13, 2010.

The Veteran's service connection for prostate cancer is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand, which allows for presumptive service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance due to concerns about updated VA examinations, particularly regarding a bilateral knee disorder. The examiner is requested to clarify whether this disorder is related to service-connected conditions or if it should be considered separately.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for prostate cancer, bladder disability, kidney disability, residuals of heart attack, and heart valve replacement and bypass due to lack of additional disability caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or similar instance.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of prostate cancer residuals, erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, Type II, diabetic neuropathy of the right upper extremity, diabetic neuropathy of the right lower extremity, diabetic neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and diabetic neuropathy of the left lower extremity as there was no formal claim or intent to file a claim prior to June 10, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was denied. A 100% rating was granted from October 24, 2013 to March 20, 2014 for prostate cancer and residuals were not compensable since March 21, 2014. The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus remains at a noncompensable level.