The Board found that the reduction in the rating for adenocarcinoma of the prostate from 100% to 60% was proper. The veteran's loss of bowel sphincter control is currently rated at 30%. There is no legal basis for a higher combined service-connected disability evaluation.
The deciding factor: The reduction in rating was based on evidence showing that the veteran's prostate cancer did not have local reoccurrence or metastasis, and his urinary incontinence has remained stable. The loss of bowel sphincter control is rated at 30% as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- adenocarcinoma of the prostate, status post radical retropubic prostatectomy, loss of bowel sphincter control
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- June 27, 2000
- Citation
- 0016956
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0016956.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, adenocarcinoma of the prostate, and erectile dysfunction due to inadequate toxic exposure risk activities (TERA) memoranda and a need for additional medical opinions.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted a total 100 percent rating for adenocarcinoma of the prostate, beginning February 26, 2018, due to a PSA level above 4.0 indicating local recurrence.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's death, finding no evidence that his prostate cancer, heart disease, or cerebrovascular disease were related to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151 is remanded due to a duty to assist error, and the case is also remanded for readjudication of issues related to bladder or urinary disorders and metastases.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.