Prostate cancer decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents while serving in Guam, and service connection is granted for prostate cancer. However, further development is needed for basal cell carcinoma as a VA examination is required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for inflatable prosthesis as secondary to prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction, and for diabetes mellitus Type II due to herbicide agent exposure. The claim of service connection for inflatable prosthesis is denied because there is no legal entitlement under the law. The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II is remanded for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for prostate cancer residuals since May 1, 2021 is denied as the evidence does not support an increase in disability beyond what was already assigned.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, finding it presumptively related to herbicide exposure in Thailand. Service connection was not established for prostate cancer due to lack of evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinion regarding whether the urinary disability is proximately due or aggravated by the service-connected psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's prostate cancer and gastrointestinal disability issues were previously addressed.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including obtaining inpatient treatment records and VA treatment records from prior to April 10, 2009. The Veteran's vocational rehabilitation counseling folder is also being sought.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure and noting the lack of a direct relationship to service. The Veteran's strong family history was considered more significant than any in-service condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for prostate cancer is granted due to exposure to herbicides at Don Muang RTAFB during his Vietnam-era service.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ. However, the case is remanded to clarify the duration of prostate cancer treatment (brachytherapy or radical prostatectomy) and assign appropriate ratings.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to be due to in-service exposure to an herbicide agent, specifically Agent Orange. Service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions in previous examinations. The claims are now pending and need further review by a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding exposure to herbicide agents or hazardous chemicals during active service. The Veteran's prostate cancer is being reviewed again with new evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a lack of an independent medical opinion and issues related to service connection.

The Board has granted a reduction in the disability rating for prostate cancer from 100% to 60%, effective February 1, 2018. The Veteran's treatment was completed on June 10, 2015, and he is currently rated based on residuals of voiding dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection has been granted for bilateral eustachian tube dysfunction, prostate cancer, sleep apnea, right hand keloid scar, gum disease, and athlete's foot.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to March 13, 2018, for increased evaluations and service connection due to lack of formal or informal communication that could be construed as a claim prior to this date.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and its residuals are not entitled to an initial compensable rating from January 29, 2014, to August 12, 2021. An initial rating greater than 40 percent thereafter is denied. The Veteran is granted SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) effective September 17, 2015.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of June 20, 2011 for a 20 percent rating for residuals of prostate cancer. The decision finds that the Veteran's symptoms have been present since at least 2005 and that he has required absorbent materials less than twice per day.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the claims for service connection for migraine headaches and prostate cancer prior to a Board decision.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, prostate cancer residuals, bilateral hearing loss, and recurrent tinnitus due to incomplete service personnel records and additional development is required.