Prostate cancer Board decisions

The veteran's residuals of prostate cancer are currently rated at 10 percent, effective September 1, 2001. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on his symptoms.

The Board found that the veteran's prostate and skin cancers were not incurred in or aggravated by military service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board found that the reduction of a 100 percent rating for prostate cancer to a 40 percent rating for post-treatment residuals, effective July 1, 2002, was proper based on improvement in the veteran's ability to function.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected prostate cancer associated with herbicide exposure is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer as a result of herbicide exposure in Vietnam, finding no current disability and insufficient evidence to establish a link between the condition and service.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for prostate cancer, status post radical retropubic prostatectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, prior to September 29, 2003, and in excess of 40 percent as of September 29, 2003, was denied. The veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus, type II as the veteran did not have these conditions during or within one year after his military service. The Board also noted that there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides that could support a presumption of service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at The Hospital on September 4, 2004 due to VA facilities being feasibly available and not meeting the criteria for 'emergency treatment'.

The veteran's medical expenses for a service-connected condition were not reimbursable by VA because prior authorization was not obtained and the treatment provided at a non-VA facility was deemed feasible.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer and skin conditions, including as secondary to asbestos exposure. The claim for an initial evaluation of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus was granted, but the claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals of left foot fracture remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, kidney disorder, incontinence, prostate enlargement (claimed as prostate cancer), arthritis of multiple joints and the spine, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The decision found no evidence of these conditions during active duty or continuity of symptomatology thereafter.

The Board found that the veteran's kidney stones existed prior to service and worsened during service, but did not find any aggravation beyond natural progression. Service connection for prostate cancer was denied as there is no evidence of a link between Agent Orange exposure and the condition.

The Board has determined that the RO did not appropriately reduce the rating for the veteran's prostate cancer and failed to provide proper VCAA notice on his increased ratings claims. The appeal is being REMANDED to address these issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and to reopen his claims, except for prostate cancer which was granted based on Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, high frequency hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and residuals of prostate cancer. The veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, left shoulder, and right knee were not found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain all relevant medical records and ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by VA medical treatment and denied claims for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, service connection for cause of death, and DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and an increased rating for PTSD. The veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations, which made it impossible to obtain necessary evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's prostate cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by service, including from exposure to ionizing radiation and/or Agent Orange. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's prostate cancer rating was reduced from 100% to 40%, and then increased back to 60%. The Board found no basis for restoring the 100% rating, as there is no evidence of recurrence. For SMC, the veteran does not meet the criteria due to his current disability status.