The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for prostate cancer residuals was denied, and his mental disability was granted a 70% rating but not more. The prostate cancer residuals are rated at the maximum allowed under current criteria.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s prostate cancer residuals do not meet the criteria for a higher than 60 percent rating as they only exhibit urinary frequency issues that warrant a 60 percent rating, which is already the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Genitourinary System Dysfunctions. The mental disability meets the criteria for a 70% rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Prostate Cancer Residuals, Mental Disability (not specified)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- December 8, 2021
- Citation
- 21073447
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 21073447.
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 Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, ischemic heart disease, diabetic neuropathy, prostate cancer residuals, bilateral diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities (sciatic), and diabetes mellitus Type 2, combine to result in physical or mental impairment that renders him so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance of another person. However, the need for aid and attendance must be determined without considering nonservice-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as his previous work experience and skills are sufficient to support a substantially gainful occupation.
- Denied
The Board denied the appellant's request for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the May 2024 rating decision, as the claims were not related to service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction is denied, but he is granted service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left sciatic nerves as secondary to his service-connected DMII.,The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are granted an initial 20 percent rating from August 29, 2025.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.