Question:
I have prostate cancer five Gleason scores of 7 and one of 8. VA is in the gathering evidence mode. If I'm awarded temp 100% are the benefits the same as a permanent rating. If I get less than 100% is this the time to contact an attorney?
Jim's Reply:
I'll assume you're a Vietnam veteran who is eligible for the presumptive benefit for prostate cancer. When you are diagnosed with PC and then submit a claim, you're usually assigned a 100% rating that is temporary in nature. Temporary 100% ratings do nor come with the same benefits as permanent ratings. VA assumes we'll all be treated and all treatment will be successful so there is no 100% permanent rating for prostate cancer. If you choose watchful waiting...that is, no treatment, your 100% rating will stay in place as a temporary rating until you die of something, whether prostate cancer or another illness. If you choose treatment then the 100% temp rating will convert to eithr 20%, 40% or 60% depending on how the residuals of treatments affect your life. There is nothing that an attorney can do for you unless you're denied a rating for some reason, the rules about prostate cancer are well established without much room for debate.