Prostate cancer Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's SMC benefits were properly discontinued as he did not meet the statutory threshold percentage requirements for SMC and was not permanently housebound due to a service-connected disability or disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and granted. His prostate cancer residuals are rated at 20 percent, with urinary frequency being the predominant issue.

The Veteran's application for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH) was denied because it was not filed within the required two-year period after he received notification of his service connection for erectile dysfunction in November 2001.

The Board has granted service connection for malignant melanoma and scars due to surgical removal of malignant melanomas. Service connection for prostate cancer due to Agent Orange exposure is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for temporary total evaluations due to hospitalization in excess of 21 days and treatment requiring convalescence, as there was no evidence of such events related to service-connected disabilities.

The Board determined that the reduction of the Veteran's prostate cancer rating from 100% to 40% effective December 1, 2012 was improper.

The Board is remanding the claims for an extraschedular rating and TDIU due to ongoing development of medical records and a determination on whether the criteria for an extraschedular rating have been met.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and prostate cancer. However, the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for these conditions remains denied as there is no competent medical evidence establishing a direct relationship between his current disabilities and military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer are not related to his active service, including exposure to herbicides in Okinawa, Japan.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as further examination and medical opinion are needed to address the functional effects of his combined service-connected disabilities, particularly in light of possible increase in severity since his last VA examination.

The Veteran's prostate cancer was not present during his military service and there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's prostate cancer is related to his period of service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Orange Park Medical Center from July 26 - August 1, 2012 were approved as the services rendered were for a disability of a veteran who has a total disability permanent in nature resulting from a service-connected disability (PTSD).

The Veteran's prostate cancer with erectile dysfunction is entitled to a March 1, 2012 effective date for a 100% rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus, prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus are all found to be related to service, with a presumption of exposure due to Gulf War service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no jurisdiction remains for the Board to consider the merits of the claims.

The Board has ordered a supplemental opinion to address the medical articles and treatises submitted by the appellant, as well as comments made by Dr. V.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction has been rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of service connection.,The Veteran's prostate cancer disability with residual voiding dysfunction has been rated at 40 percent, effective June 18, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, claimed as due to herbicide exposure, is being remanded for additional development and consideration of the recent court ruling in Gray v. McDonald.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 40 percent for his service-connected residuals of prostate cancer is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is found to be related to his active military service, specifically due to exposure to herbicides while serving at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. Service connection for prostate cancer is granted.