Filing Claim for AO Prostate Cancer

[Max Rommel]

I am a Vietnam-era herbicide exposed veteran and currently have a 10% service connected rating. I recently had a prostate biopsy after a negative PSA test suggested cancer. The biopsy showed I have a medium aggressive form of prostate cancer and I will be starting radiation treatments shortly. Can anyone tell me my next steps to claim a disability for AO presumptive prostate cancer?

Thanks, Max

[Berta]

You can file the claim on VA form 21-526 EZ.

Your other post shows you get 10% now for tinnitus and VA confirmed you were an AO exposed veteran.

Prostate cancer is rated in an unusual way:

http://www.vetsfirst.org/vetsfirst-qa-does-va-always-reduce-a-rating-for-prostate-cancer-after-treatment/

In part this article from the VA states:

"Veterans with active prostate cancer are rated at 100 percent. That rating continues for six months following the completion of any treatment, such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. After six months, VA requires that the veteran undergo an examination. Changes reported based on the examination will determine the veteran’s new rating. If the cancer hasn’t returned following treatment, then the rating for prostate cancer will be reduced.

VA will, however, rate the veteran on any related issues being experienced as a result of having had prostate cancer, such as voiding dysfunction. Veterans who have daytime voiding intervals between one and two hours, or awake at night to void three to four times will be rated at 20 percent. Veterans who void at intervals of less than one hour during the daytime, or awake to void five or more times per night, wear absorbent materials, or use an appliance (catheter), may be able to receive a higher VA rating."