The Veteran's rectal cancer residuals are granted a 20 percent rating throughout the period on appeal. The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals, as of April 29, 2025, do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction and scars have not been shown to warrant a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran has residual symptoms from his rectal cancer surgery, which are approximately equivalent to a partial colectomy with reanastomosis and recurrent episodes of diarrhea more than 3 times per day. The prostate cancer residuals have been shown to be in remission without voiding dysfunction due to his prostatectomy or prostate cancer. There is no evidence of penile deformity for the erectile dysfunction, and the scars do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Rectal Cancer Residuals, Prostate Cancer Residuals
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 20, 2026
- Citation
- A26005050
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 A26005050.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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.
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