Prostate cancer Board decisions

The Veteran's genitourinary residuals of prostate cancer, including erectile dysfunction, urine leakage requiring absorbent materials changed several times daily, and voiding dysfunction resulting in three to four nocturia episodes, meet the criteria for a 40 percent evaluation from August 1, 2007.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for prostate cancer due to in-service radiation exposure, and the claim is dismissed.

The Board finds that the Veteran did not have exposure to ionizing radiation or hazardous chemicals during service, and his claimed conditions are not related to active duty. The claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's additional disabilities were not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill during the August 2003 radical prostatectomy. The event was not reasonably foreseeable.

The Board has decided that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating from 100 percent to 40 percent for prostate cancer residuals is not proper and has ordered further development.

The Veteran's prostate cancer, post radical prostatectomy, is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his disability. The case will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, which is claimed to be secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer, has been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of medical records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for prostate cancer as secondary to his service-connected skin cancer is being remanded due to the need for a more comprehensive medical opinion regarding the relationship between the two conditions.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against the finding that the Veteran's prostate cancer had its onset in service or within one year of separation therefrom, or is etiologically related to any incident, disease, or exposure during his active service.

The Board found no evidence of a respiratory disorder or prostate cancer that was incurred in service, and denied the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, diagnosed in May 2005 and presumed due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, was granted effective March 29, 2007. The initial disability rating of 100% is assigned as of that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer contributed to his death, and thus grants DIC benefits on this basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate disorder, left ankle disability, and left knee disability are not service-connected. The VA examiner concluded that the current disabilities of the prostate, left ankle, and left knee were unrelated to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification on whether his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for prostate cancer is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a genitourinary examination and obtaining outstanding medical records.

The Board denied service connection for depression as secondary to service-connected chronic hepatitis, finding that the evidence did not support this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause his death, as other significant conditions contributing to death were found.

The Board has determined that a VA medical opinion is needed to determine whether the cause of the Veteran's death is related to service, specifically his in-service asbestos exposure. The appellant claims that the Veteran had in-service asbestos exposure which caused post-service lung disease, contributing to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer with erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ, effective from November 17, 2008. The earlier effective date is granted as the report of contact in November 2008 can be construed as an informal claim.