Prostate cancer decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the claims for neurological disability of the right upper extremity, ganglion cyst of the right wrist, and prostate cancer due to incomplete compliance with previous remands and insufficient rationale provided in the opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and prostate cancer are denied. The claim for prostate cancer is remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for prostate cancer is denied because the first communication expressing intent to file a claim was received on March 14, 2019, which is within one year after his discharge from active service.

The Veteran's spouse, the caregiver, is found to be unable to complete caregiver training within 90 days of applying for PCAFC benefits. The claim is therefore remanded due to a lack of completion of required caregiver training.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is granted, but the AOJ must verify if he was exposed to herbicide agents aboard the USS Ramsey on July 14, 1968.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, which is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Thailand during his service at Ubon Air Force Base, has been granted service connection. This decision is based on the PACT Act of 2022.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted service connection due to herbicide agent exposure during his service in Thailand, effective May 25, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder is remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, secondary to herbicide agent exposure, is remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurocognitive disorder, secondary to PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for prostate cancer residuals is remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 23, 2011, for the award of a TDIU is referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension for consideration due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disorder, kidney cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. The Veteran will be afforded VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete evaluations, including a lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service noise exposure. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for radial nerve peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity was denied. The claims for service connection for prostate cancer, coronary artery disease (CAD), right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy were granted based on new and relevant evidence submitted after the August 2019 denial.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and lung cancer are granted as service connection is established due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.,Service connection for voiding dysfunction, erectile dysfunction (ED), and sleep apnea are also granted as these conditions are found to be secondary to the service-connected prostate cancer.

Service connection for prostate cancer is granted under the PACT Act, and service connection for bladder cancer is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and prostate cancer were denied. The claim for prostate cancer was remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a pancreas condition, prostate cancer, glaucoma, macular pigment change, and age-related cataract (claimed as latanoprost of the left eye), and diabetes mellitus due to duty assist errors. A VA medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and prostate cancer are denied. The claim for prostate cancer is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's initial ratings for diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer have been granted, with a 40 percent rating assigned for each condition. The effective dates are not specified as the claims were initially filed on November 28, 2016.

The Board has remanded the issues of whether the discontinuance of the 100 percent evaluation for prostate cancer effective January 1, 2019, was proper and entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for prostate cancer from January 1, 2019. The Veteran needs to provide VA with his treatment records and undergo a VA examination.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The heart condition issue is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted a 40% disability rating for prostate cancer residuals, effective May 1, 2022. The reduction of the initial 100% rating was proper as the Veteran is currently in remission and no longer receiving treatment.