Prostate cancer decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issue of service connection for cause of death, including addressing the appellant's testimony regarding the Veteran's drinking habits and the onset of his psychiatric disorder. The Board also seeks clarification on the etiology of the Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver and whether PAD can be considered a compensable condition related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and left upper extremity weakness due to cerebral infarction are not rated higher than the current levels of disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD was denied a rating in excess of 70%, and his residuals of prostate cancer were granted a 60% rating from February 5, 2019. His bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to a change in law, specifically the PACT Act. The Veteran's claim is being reviewed again as it may be eligible based on his alleged exposure to herbicide agents during parachute training in Thailand.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the remaining issues on appeal, including evaluating the Veteran's prostate cancer residuals and determining his need for aid and attendance due to dementia.

The Board has denied service connection for prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction (ED), incontinence, and artificial urethral sphincter as there is no evidence of these conditions during or related to active service.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the need based on his service-connected disabilities. Further medical opinion is required, including from a private rehabilitation facility records.

The Board has remanded the claims for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and thyroid disorder due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's service connection claim is pending as presumptive based on herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at 40 percent effective February 3, 2015. The Veteran's dermatitis is rated at 10 percent effective September 18, 2014. The Veteran's asbestosis remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his other nonservice-connected disabilities and limitations. The Board finds that he is capable of securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes was denied as there is no evidence of the condition during or after service.,Service connection for a skin disorder (dermatitis) was also denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, prostate cancer residuals, ischemic heart disease, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to prostate cancer residuals have all been granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents while on active military service in Guam, and the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.