Posted on Aug 28, 2022
TSgt Mark Winsor
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I was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Two years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had a prostatectomy.
Posted in these groups: Chhhfnmfuj 1420036448753 VA ClaimF8671c3c Cancer
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COL Randall C.
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Edited 2 y ago
* UPDATED*
TSgt Mark Winsor, I blew this one as I still had "pancreatic cancer" on my mind when I responded.

The answer is YES, it is covered as a presumptive illness with the PACT Act.

I previously said it wasn't, but as CPL Freeman pointed out, while it's not specifically called out (i.e., 'prostate cancer') it is covered under "Reproductive cancer of any type". HHS defines reproductive cancers at https://opa.hhs.gov/reproductive-health/reproductive-cancers, so if somehow challenged, you have a government source you can point to.

As such, all you should have to do is show that you have it and that you were in the covered area.

HOWEVER, the VA will not give you a permanent rating for cancer. If a veteran is service-connected for an active cancer, VA should automatically assign a 100 percent disability rating. This rating continues for as long as their cancer is active, and then for another six months following the successful completion of a treatment program (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery).

So, you should be covered for the period that the cancer was active and six months following that. After six months, the VA evaluates the residuals of cancer and awards a rating based on the long-term effects of the cancer and treatment for the cancer (for example, anything lasting that is related to the prostate cancer or the prostatectomy such as ED, incontinence, etc.)

***
Long answer - Just like any other possibly Service connected illness/injury - it depends if you can show a linkage between your military Service and the illness/injury. A question very much like this was recently asked regarding pancreatic cancer and agent orange.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/why-isn-t-pancreatic-cancer-a-presumptive-condition-related-to-agent-orange-exposure
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CPL Scott Freeman
CPL Scott Freeman
2 y
Dude it is covered, These cancers are now presumptive:

Brain cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
Glioblastoma
Head cancer of any type
Kidney cancer
Lymphatic cancer of any type
Lymphoma of any type
Melanoma
Neck cancer of any type
Pancreatic cancer
Reproductive cancer of any type


TThe males has 2 reporductive organs, the testicles and the prostrate
prostate and testicular cancer falls under that
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TSgt Randy Colwell
TSgt Randy Colwell
2 y
I just filled my prostate cancer under pact act I had surgery and radiation still there and psa rising advanced prostate cancer now. I was in Riyadh Saudia Arabia in 96 I also filled secondary to getting up 3 to 4 times a night to pee. Still waiting see what they say. Had genomics test done its not hereditary
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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If you have proof it was linked to burn pits or other toxic substances, possibly. Contact the VA for further clarification
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SFC Chem Bev Specialist
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How many of us received this answer from the VA. Yes it’s service related, 0%
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