Kidney disease decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for nephrolithiasis, left kidney with history of right ureterolithiasis and service connection for vision loss and peripheral neuropathy. The decision also addressed whether there was new and material evidence to reopen a claim for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the veteran's claims of service connection to include as a result of exposure to radiation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations of her breast fibroadenoma excision residuals and uterine fibroids, finding no current bladder or kidney disability and no compensable scars.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the veteran's hypertension and chronic renal insufficiency, as well as to address whether these conditions are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus or PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's cause of death, hypertensive myocardiopathy, was found to be service-connected. The DIC claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot due to the award of service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability related to his service, including tinnitus, broken rib residuals, and left kidney disorder. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities related to diverticular disease or kidney stones, and thus service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a link between the veteran's hypertension and kidney condition during service, or within one year post-service. The RO notified the appellant of the evidence needed to substantiate these claims and obtained all relevant evidence designated by the appellant.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for loss of function of the right kidney, kidney stones of the left kidney, abnormal bladder condition, and hypertension due to an undiagnosed illness. The conditions are not considered to be related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for HIV infection, Hepatitis C, chronic renal insufficiency and pancreatitis as secondary to the veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board found that the removal of the veteran's left kidney was not negligent and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board found that the causes of the veteran's death were not related to his service, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left kidney disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board found no evidence of polycystic kidney disease, renal failure, or polycystic liver disease during service. The VA specialist concluded that the veteran did not develop these conditions due to her active duty and there is no medical opinion suggesting they were aggravated by service.

The Board denied a compensable rating for renal glycosuria, finding that the condition is asymptomatic and unrelated to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran was not entitled to service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including residuals of gonorrhea, kidney disease, Peyronie's disease, hypothyroidism, and a psychiatric disability (bipolar disorder), for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not due to VA treatment performed at the Las Vegas VAMC from 1996 until 1999, including in July 1999. The cause of death listed on his death certificate was cardiopulmonary arrest due to or as a consequence of coronary artery disease.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for end stage renal disease due to VA medical treatment is being remanded for further action, including consideration as a new claim under the revised section 1151 and notification of the VCAA.