Prostate cancer Board decisions

The Board granted an effective date of April 9, 2013 for a 100% rating for prostate cancer, finding that the Veteran's PSA level on that date indicated active disease. The previous reduction from 100% to 20% was not based on clear and unmistakable error.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of in-service exposure and a need for an opinion regarding whether prostate cancer is related to those exposures.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for prostate cancer and TDIU was denied. The prostate cancer residuals are rated at 60 percent, the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated at a 60 percent disability rating since May 9, 2008. The case is remanded for further evaluation of other service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for prostate cancer, blood cancer (polycythemia vera), and lung cancer due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure in Thailand. The issue of service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to prostate cancer is remanded.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating for prostate cancer from 100 percent to 40 percent effective May 1, 2015 was proper based on evidence showing no recurrence or metastasis of the condition.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for prostate cancer due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,Service connection for prostate cancer, including due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange), is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange and grants presumptive service connection for prostate cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus and denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and high cholesterol. The decision on the issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus is based on a lack of evidence showing its onset within one year after separation from service.

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.