Danny Beckett

[Danny Beckett]

I have agent orange prostate cancer as a result of service in Vietnam. I was diagnosed in Nov. of 2011 and elected active surveillance then and has not progressed since then. I filled for compensation in June of 2019 and was awarded 100% compensation. My question is does the services connected disability for the 5 10 20 year rule begin when I was diagnosed or when I was awarded the service disability?

[brokensoldier244th]

From the effective date. 

 

[broncovet]

I agree with Broken soldier.  Prostate cancer is one of those which can go into remission and VA likes to reduce you if therapy is successful. 

Check your decision.  Does it say 100 percent "P and T"?  Sometimes it does not say that, it. says, instead "no future exams are scheduled" or "entitlement to DEA chapter 35 for dependents is established".  These are VA speak for P and T.  

Its easy for VA to reduce temporary ratings.  You need to find out if yours is temp.  

[brokensoldier244th]

They don't 'like' to reduce anyone. Congress wrote the laws- if the condition has improved past the point of X % rating, then it must be reduced unless there is compelling evidence to the contrary. We aren't saying 'its cured' but, yes, if the condition improves substantially, and sustainably (usually over the course of two exams- or depending on how many years the veteran has had the condition the evidence must be stronger; 5, 10, 20 yr rules, and age 55) , then there is usually a proposal for reduction. 

Edited January 23, 2021 by brokensoldier244th