Prostate cancer decisions — 2023

The Board denied a rating in excess of 60 percent for the Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer, finding that the evidence did not support such an increase.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, urinary frequency and urgency, erectile dysfunction, and sleep disturbances are service-connected as they are secondary to his diagnosed prostate cancer.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU is dismissed because he is already receiving a 100% rating for his service-connected coronary artery disease and special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for prostate cancer residuals between January 30, 2018 to January 14, 2020 was denied. The claim for bilateral hearing loss disability was also denied.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to be due to herbicide agent exposure during service in Vietnam. Service connection for prostate cancer and a urinary condition (including erectile dysfunction and urinary retention) secondary to prostate cancer are granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, finding that there was no evidence of herbicide exposure in Panama and insufficient medical nexus to link the condition to his military service.

The Board has decided that service connection is denied for prostate cancer and hypertension, but the case is remanded to determine if service connection should be granted for diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus, type II are granted. The Veteran's kidney condition and liver condition (other than hepatitis C) are remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's prostate cancer has been rated as 100 percent disabling since April 13, 2018. He is eligible for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate and a TDIU based on this condition. The issue of entitlement to a higher level of special monthly compensation or an earlier effective date was denied by the Board.

The Veteran's prostate cancer status post brachytherapy is rated at an 80 percent disability rating for the entire appeal period, considering his renal dysfunction with generalized poor health.

The Veteran's service connection for prostate cancer is granted on a presumptive basis due to burn pit exposure. Service connection for left CTS remains pending and requires further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer and a skin disorder, finding that there were errors in the VA's duty to assist. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer, kidney disorder, CVA residuals, heart disorder, COPD, and multiple myeloma, due to exposure to toxic substances during active service. The PACT Act requires a VA examination and medical opinion in these cases.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's prostate cancer and his in-service exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer and respiratory disabilities (asthma and interstitial lung disease), finding that these conditions are related to mustard gas exposure during active duty service.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed exposure.

The Veteran's lung and prostate cancers are related to his exposures to toxic herbicides. Service connection for both disorders is granted on a presumptive basis under the PACT Act. The claims for kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to lack of VA medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer and coronary arteriosclerosis, but has remanded the cases of urinary bladder cancer and hypothyroidism due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at the highest possible level (70 percent), and no higher rating is granted.,His gall bladder disability is currently rated at 10 percent, with no evidence of severe symptoms.

The Board has found no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other toxic chemicals, and thus service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus is denied. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and/or depressive disorder) is remanded due to insufficient verification of reported stressors.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to be associated with herbicide exposure, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.