Question:
Jim, I was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. My doctor and I have decided to watch and wait. I have just filed a claim. I was in Vietnam '69 - '70. Do I qualify for 100 percent disability until I die or have treatment done?
Jim's Reply:
Yes. From the date you file the claim you will have a 100% temporary rating. A future exam will be scheduled assuming that you will have treatment and that the cancer will disappear. When you show up for that future exam and you haven't had any treatment...you will still have the cancer...and your 100% rating will continue.
Repeat until you decide to have the cancer treated or more likely, die of another cause.
I'm a "watch and wait" (active surveillance) champion. As I've aged my PSA has climbed slowly. A year ago I saw a urologist who advised that I should have a multi-needle biopsy under general anesthesia even though I have no symptoms and nothing is felt on the DRE. I declined. I had routine labs done a week ago and my PSA has dropped 3 points. Oh well.
At some point along your journey with VA they will make a mistake and determine you've been treated and they'll try to lower your rating. VA really doesn't get watchful waiting and they'll ignore it if they can get away with it. Be prepared to appeal and don't let them make you crazy. Good luck!