Prostate cancer decisions — 2022

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals and voiding dysfunction are rated at 20% effective March 1, 2018. The Veteran's prostatectomy scar is rated at 10% effective March 1, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claims for prostate cancer and frontotemporal brain tumor due to ionizing radiation exposure, as no dose estimate could be obtained from available records. The Veteran's Radiation Risk Activity worksheet, service medical records, and hearing testimony were reviewed but not sufficient to determine if he was exposed.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 4, 2014, for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance was denied. The Board found that it was not factually ascertainable prior to August 4, 2014, that the Veteran met the criteria for SMC.

The Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer residuals and coronary artery disease have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from April 1, 2011 to March 20, 2014.

The Veteran's service connection claim for prostate cancer as due to herbicide agent exposure is granted, with the presumption of exposure based on his service in Guam under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to have been caused by exposure to herbicide agents during his service aboard the U.S.S. Midway, and thus he is granted service connection.

The Veteran's pulmonary fibrosis, prostate cancer, and lymphatic cancer are currently service-connected. However, the VA needs to provide medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to his active duty service or exposure to chemicals as an air policeman on the flight line.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted as service connected due to exposure during his time in Thailand, which falls under the PACT Act presumption.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted as service connected due to exposure during his service in Thailand, which falls under the PACT Act presumption.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and coronary artery disease, including as due to in-service exposure to an herbicide agent. The evidence did not support finding that his active service unit was among those units presumed exposed to an herbicide agent.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. However, the Veteran's claim for service connection for penile cancer is remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding its etiology and whether it is secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer residuals, Cushing's syndrome, CAD, hypertension, and DMII due to exposure to various chemicals during service. The AOJ is directed to verify the Veteran's reported exposures and obtain VA opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and prostate cancer. The Board found that these conditions did not have their onset during active duty service or were otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records as well as any relevant Social Security Administration disability benefits records.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus, but denied service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities. Service connection was also granted for erectile dysfunction and renal dysfunction as secondary to bladder cancer, and prostate cancer as a result of bladder cancer.,The Veteran's prostate cancer is considered secondary to his service-connected bladder cancer.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, prostate cancer, and ischemic heart disease have been granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand. The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base where he served.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's eligibility for benefits under the PCAFC is remanded due to a legal error in the initial decision, specifically related to the interpretation of 'need for supervision, protection or instruction' as defined by 38 C.F.R. § 71.15.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer residuals is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. Additional development, including a VA examination, is needed to determine if his prostate cancer is related to his period of service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes, asthma, prostate cancer, and PTSD as they are related to a petition to reopen previously denied service connection claims.