Kidney disease decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's request for an increased rating for his absence of the left kidney, finding that there was no evidence of right kidney pathology or dysfunction.

The veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the VA did not commit negligence or error in providing care. The criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are not met.

The veteran's status post urethroplasty due to urethral stenosis with recurrent cystitis and urethritis is rated at 60 percent since May 2002, which meets the criteria for a higher evaluation. The chronic renal disease with hypertension remains at 30 percent.

The Board found that the cause of death was not service-connected, and thus denied the claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for kidney disability and denied his request for an increased rating for dermatophytosis of the feet.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of all possible bases for granting service connection, including exposure to asbestos, radiation, and direct service connection.

The veteran's claims for disability benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 were denied in final decisions, and new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the claims.

The Board found no evidence of current right knee and hip disorders or kidney disorder related to service. The veteran's duodenitis and gastritis with reflux were also not found to be related to service.

The veteran seeks service connection for right renal carcinoma, which he contends is related to injuries sustained in an automobile accident during service. The Board has ordered further development of the record to obtain medical records and opinions regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Board has ordered the case back to the RO for further development due to incomplete medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cause of death was not caused or substantially contributed to by any service-connected disability, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by or a result of his service-connected disabilities, and thus denied both service connection for the cause of death and DIC under section 1318.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and opinions regarding whether the veteran's current chronic renal failure is related to his period of service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of periodontal surgery and kidney stone disability, finding that neither condition was related to his military service.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension on account of need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection for cause of death and whether a pre-existing condition worsened by medication caused the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's genitourinary tuberculosis, including bilateral epididymectomy, prostate involvement, and right kidney status post heminephrectomy, warrants a disability rating of 40 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and secondary conditions due to exposure to chemicals during his service aboard the USS Granville S. Hall, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to chemical exposure.

The veteran's cause of death was staphylococcal sepsis due to bacterial peritonitis, with other significant conditions including chronic renal failure and diabetes mellitus. The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been caused by his service exposure to Agent Orange, leading to a grant of service connection for the cause of death.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining verification of combat-related experiences and providing the veteran with a VA examination to assess his current disability status.