Prostate cancer Board decisions

The Board has determined that an effective date of October 1, 2004, is granted for the grant of service connection for prostate cancer, bilateral hearing loss, osteoarthritis of both knees, and degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining inpatient treatment records and a VA examination to determine if the appellant's current back disability is related to service. The remaining issues are also on hold until further notice.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, major depression secondary to prostate cancer, and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ were granted effective September 6, 2005.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service aboard the USS Preston, and granted service connection for this condition. Service connection was also granted for prostate cancer as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. However, there was no current hearing loss disability meeting VA criteria.

The Board found that the reduction from 100% to 20% for service-connected prostate cancer was appropriate based on the evidence of record, including a VA examination and treatment records. The Veteran's claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his periods of active duty and Reserve service, as well as a VA examination to determine if his later diagnosis was related to elevated PSA levels during his Army Reserve service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed to be etiologically related to in-service exposure to an herbicide agent, and the Board finds that service connection for prostate cancer is warranted.

The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer, status post radical prostatectomy with postoperative complications, are rated at 60 percent from October 22, 2004 to August 11, 2005 and from November 1, 2005. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for prostate cancer, including as due to radiation exposure, has been dismissed because the appellant requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his service personnel records and verifying any herbicide exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for prostate cancer residuals was denied, and the effective date for TDIU benefits was not granted prior to June 8, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records from the VA Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina and requesting Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran's claim for TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for laryngeal cancer and prostate cancer are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding possible exposure to herbicides in Thailand.

The Veteran died of prostate cancer, which developed many years after service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that his terminal condition was related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer, which is presumed due to Agent Orange exposure, has been remanded for further development of his military records and verification of any temporary duty assignments in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of prostate cancer and a skin disorder, including skin cancer, are denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his period of military service or exposure to radiation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development of the medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of prostate cancer has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining outstanding treatment records. The claims on appeal include an increased rating for prostate cancer residuals and T/R based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate cancer is not related to his service, including any exposure to ionizing radiation. The claim for service connection is denied.