Prostate cancer decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was denied as his service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including sleep apnea, ischemic heart disease, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and TDIU. The remand is due to incomplete compliance with prior directives and the need for further VA medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's service near the Korean DMZ. The AOJ is instructed to request more specific information from the Veteran about his Army camp in Korea.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction are all granted service connection. The Veteran is also granted special monthly compensation for loss of use of a creative organ due to his ED.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for type II diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy due to potential in-service herbicide agent exposure. The RO is requested to obtain additional medical records, verify the Veteran's claimed service in the Republic of Vietnam and near the Korean DMZ, and provide a VA examination if necessary.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding the Veteran's prostate cancer and urethral cancer, including whether these conditions are secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with its previous directives and insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's prostate condition. The claim will be reconsidered based on a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus type II due to a lack of an opinion from an environmental toxicologist regarding exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational background and work history since at least February 12, 2013.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is granted as secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer residuals. His prostate cancer, however, does not meet the criteria for a higher schedular rating due to lack of renal dysfunction or recurrence/metastasis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of evidence showing in-service exposure to herbicides, and for further development regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded three issues related to the Veteran's right knee and prostate cancer disabilities. The first issue is about a higher rating for right knee osteoarthritis, the second concerns restoring a 100% rating for prostate cancer with erectile dysfunction after it was reduced, and the third is an increased rating claim for prostate cancer.

The Veteran's metastatic cancer of the back was not found to be service-connected, as it is not considered secondary to prostate cancer.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals and urinary retention status/post bladder neck reconstruction are denied as there is no evidence of VA fault in the care provided on September 9, 2015.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of August 5, 2014 for the service connection of prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not provided to reopen the claims. The Board found no evidence of exposure to herbicides or other hazardous toxins, and there is insufficient medical evidence linking any current conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and hypertension due to incomplete VA examinations and lack of private treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's cause of death is due to CREST syndrome/scleroderma, with bladder cancer and prostate cancer as other significant conditions. Service connection for the cause of death has been granted based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange). Burial benefits greater than $1,000.00 have also been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a separate compensable rating for a psychiatric disorder as a residual of his service-connected prostate cancer and for entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).