Prostate cancer decisions — 2022

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for chest pain due to new evidence received since the final denial. The Veteran's prostate cancer is also remanded for further development and an opinion regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not characterized by a penile deformity, resulting in no higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.,His depressive disorder has been rated as 30 percent disabling throughout the appeal period and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to its symptoms being less severe than those required for a 50 percent or higher rating.,The reduction of the prostate cancer evaluation from 100% to 40% effective October 1, 2016 was proper as there is evidence showing remission of the condition.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and its residuals are granted service connection, while the issues regarding increased ratings for his knees remain pending.

The DIC claim is denied as the Veteran was not rated continuously totally disabled for a period of at least 10 years. The cause of death claim is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a respiratory disorder, diagnosed as bronchial asthma and COPD, on the basis of substitution.,The Board has also granted service connection for gastric cancer, on the basis of substitution.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not substantially or materially contribute to his death. The Board concluded that the Veteran's behavior, even if PTSD-induced, was not the proximate cause of his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension to determine if they are related to herbicide agent exposure at Fort Chaffee.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at 40 percent, but no higher, due to voiding dysfunction with urinary frequency and nocturia.,Diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, as it requires one or more daily injection of insulin and restricted diet.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 1, 2017.,Since December 1, 2018, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have also rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus type 2 are claimed to be due to herbicide exposure in Korea. The Board finds that further development is needed, including verification of the Veteran's service in or near the DMZ.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and associated erectile dysfunction are rated at 40 percent from July 17, 2019. The rating is granted for the period of time when the Veteran required absorbent materials to be changed 2-4 times per day due to urinary frequency issues.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to July 1, 2010 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board found that the Veteran had sufficient education and training to perform his job as a pastor, which is considered substantial gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim of TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional information and review. The Social Security Administration records are requested, and a supplemental statement of the case will be issued if necessary.

The Veteran's death was due to a pending claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disability caused by radiation treatment for service-connected prostate cancer, which has been remanded for further action.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for Parkinson's disease and prostate cancer due to new evidence suggesting possible exposure to Agent Orange. However, further verification is needed regarding whether the Veteran set foot in Vietnam or served within 12 nautical miles of its shores while aboard his ships.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and prostate cancer, both presumed to be related to herbicide agent exposure. The Veteran's claim for a sleep disability is remanded due to incomplete records. The claims for higher initial ratings for hearing loss are also remanded.

The Veteran's service connection for prostate cancer and residuals thereof as a result of in-service exposure to herbicide agents was granted.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hepatitis A, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, type II (diabetes), right knee condition, and left knee condition to ensure all relevant evidence is considered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is remanded due to uncertainty regarding his exposure to herbicides. The Board requests verification from the VA Military Records Research Center (MRRC) to determine if he was exposed during his service in the Panama Canal Zone.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for residuals of prostate cancer to verify whether the Veteran had service near the Korean DMZ and to obtain any outstanding medical records.