Question:
Jim, I have an initial 30 % rating for lung cancer 2003 due to agent orange, with rating for anxiety ( panic attacks, etc.), for a combined score of 50%. Then in early 2018, I developed prostate cancer. I filed a claim using the local CVSO, before any treatment began. I underwent external beam radiation at the direction of the VA doctor. He said that my age at the time precluded remove (over 70), I did not elect radiation. I had the external and seed implant in 2018, and received a rating of 100% temporary (meaning no dental). I have had two C&P exams; both extended the 100% rating. I have had urinary and gastro problems over the last two years. The first C & P examiner stated you will always have your prostate so you will always have cancer, don’t worry about getting accustomed to the 100% rating, money wise. I did ask that question: What is the meaning of 100% temporary? I read my case as (permanent) 100% temporary if that is possible. On my decision paper, it talks about watchful waiting. I never asked for watchful waiting. Can you give any clarity to this, VA 100% temporary class IV, no dental, yet I call and get dental care, but I am told I am not eligible. Any words would help.
Jim's Reply:
Watchful waiting is when you choose no treatment at all, that isn't you. The VA usually issues a temporary rating for a condition that they believe is likely to improve with treatment. Prostate cancer is often improved with surgery or radiation that drops the PSA to near nothing and VA sees that as cured and the 100% rating drops accordingly. Your rating is being extended each time you have an exam based on that same theory, it will get better. The next time you have a C & P exam, you can ask the examiner to please make a recommendation that your condition is static, unlikely to become measurably better and you'd like to receive a permanent rating. That usually does the trick.