PROSTATE GLAND DISEASE OF
MICHELLE L. KANE · 2026 · Case ID: A26039123
Summary
The Veteran, a Veteran who served from November 1968 to June 1970, including service in Vietnam, appeals the denial of service connection for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The Veteran sought service connection for BPH, claiming it was secondary to his service-connected hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disabilities. The Board reviewed private and VA treatment records, which confirmed a current BPH diagnosis. A January 2025 VA examination provided a favorable opinion, stating the BPH was at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's pre-existing hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The examiner cited studies linking autonomic hyperactivity and hypertension to BPH severity. While the Veteran was diagnosed with diabetes in late 2014, his hypertension was diagnosed in the 1980s, and he suffered a myocardial infarction in May 2011 due to coronary artery disease, predating his BPH diagnosis. The Board found the VA opinion probative and, resolving doubt in the Veteran's favor, granted service connection for BPH as secondary to his service-connected hypertension and cardiovascular disabilities.
Rationale
Proximately due to service-connected hypertension and cardiovascular disabilities; Favorable VA medical opinion linking BPH to hypertension and cardiovascular disease; Resolving doubt in Veteran's favor
Full Decision Text
Citation Nr: A26039123 Decision Date: 04/27/26 Archive Date: 04/27/26 DOCKET NO. 250320-529622 DATE: April 27, 2026 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is granted. FINDING OF FACT The Veteran's BPH is proximately due to his service-connected hypertension and cardiovascular disabilities. CONCLUSION OF LAW The criteria for service connection for BPH on a secondary basis have been met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1131, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.310. REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION The Veteran served on active duty from November 1968 to June 1970, including service in the Republic of Vietnam. In the March 20, 2025 VA Form 10182, Decision Review Request: Board Appeal (Notice of Disagreement), the Veteran elected the Hearing docket. A Board hearing was held on January 7, 2026. Therefore, the Board may only consider the evidence of record at the time of the February 5, 2025 agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) decision on appeal, as well as any evidence submitted by the Veteran or his attorney at the hearing or within 90 days following the hearing. 38 C.F.R. § 20.302(a). If evidence was submitted either (1) during the period after the AOJ issued the decision on appeal and prior to the Board hearing, or (2) more than 90 days following the hearing, the Board did not consider it in its decision. 38 C.F.R. §§ 20.300, 20.302(a), 20.801. The Veteran seeks service connection for BPH. Private and VA treatment records show a current BPH disability. In January 2025, a VA examiner opined that the Veteran's BPH is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and arteriosclerotic heart disease. In support of his opinion, citing the Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Health, and American Prostate Centers, the examiner stated that these disorders are risk factors that predated his BPH and predisposed him to it. Regarding cardiovascular disease, quoting a study, the examiner stated that "autonomic hyperactivity is believed to be involved in the development of [lower urinary tract symptoms] and heart disease and hypertension ar associated with greater [lower urinary tract symptoms] severity." Regarding hypertension, the examiner quoted from another study that concluded a "significant, age independent association exists between BPH symptoms and hypertension" and "this finding indicates a common pathophysiological factor for both disease states." The evidence does not indicate clearly when the Veteran was diagnosed with BPH. Private treatment records show that he was taking a BPH medication as of January 2014 and he reported to the January 2025 VA examiner that he was diagnosed in the "2000s." The evidence shows that the Veteran was diagnosed with diabetes in late 2014 or early 2015; therefore, it cannot be the proximate cause of his BPH. Regarding his cardiovascular disease, he suffered a myocardial infarction in May 2011 due to coronary artery disease. Therefore, it is possible that it predated his BPH diagnosis. He also reported to the January 2023 VA examiner that he was diagnosed with hypertension in the 1980s and his private treatment records show a history of hypertension as early as May 2011. The Board thus finds that the VA medical opinion is probative evidence of proximate cause, and there is no conflicting medical evidence. After resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board finds that service connection for BPH is warranted as secondary to his service-connected hypertension and cardiovascular disabilities. 38 U.S.C. § 5107; 38 C.F.R. § 3.102. MICHELLE L. KANE Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board M. Lavan The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303. ANE Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board M. Lavan The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.