Prostate cancer decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural and regulatory errors in the initial rating for prostate cancer. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is also raised as part of the claim for an increased rating for prostate cancer.

The Veteran's service connection for ischemic heart disease, multiple myeloma, and prostate cancer is granted on a direct basis. The effective dates are set to the date of the decision.

Service connection for prostate cancer with secondary erectile dysfunction is granted.,Service connection for hypertension based on a claim filed October 19, 2020, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to potential in-service combat-related stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants his claim for TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus, type II due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, hypertension, a visual disability, motor abnormalities of the lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The effective dates were determined based on various factors including prior claims and medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for prostate cancer is reopened and remanded due to new evidence received, including testimony from a hearing before the Board. The case is also remanded for further examination regarding the etiology of the prostate cancer.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is granted, with the PACT Act as the basis. The claim for skin cancer is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and related urinary issues are presumed to have developed as a result of his in-service exposure to herbicide agents near the Korean DMZ, which is considered presumptive under VA law.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and insufficient medical opinions regarding his left shoulder condition and prostate cancer.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and compensable ratings for prostate cancer are being remanded due to the need for additional retrospective medical opinions.

The Veteran's chest scars are rated as non-compensable, with the scars measuring less than 144 square inches (929 sq. cm).,The Veteran's microscopic colitis is currently rated at 30 percent and does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of severe disability with numerous attacks per year or malnutrition.,The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer are rated as 40 percent, requiring absorbent materials changed less than two times per day. No higher rating is warranted based on urinary frequency or obstructed voiding.,Prior to September 22, 2022, the Veteran's coronary artery disease was rated at 60 percent, meeting criteria for a 60 percent evaluation.,From September 22, 2022, the Veteran's coronary artery disease is denied as no higher rating is warranted due to lack of severe disability with numerous attacks per year or malnutrition.

The Veteran's tinnitus and erectile dysfunction are granted service connection. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, left ear hearing loss, and prostate cancer claims are denied due to lack of current diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete service records and further investigation is needed. The Veteran's prostate cancer may be related to Agent Orange exposure, but his spinal disability must await completion of these actions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for regular aid and attendance, which meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to be related to exposure to herbicide agents during service. His acquired psychiatric disorder and right foot condition are not found to be related to his active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer and sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents at Ubon and Udorn RTAFBs in Thailand during his active duty service is presumed. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his duties near the air base perimeter are considered credible, leading to a favorable decision on both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer and related conditions render him unemployable, but the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer status post-surgery as there is no current or recent diagnosis of the condition.