Kidney disease decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions did not contribute to his death, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The veteran's PTSD has been linked to his major depressive disorder, which has been found to be moderately severe in degree. The Board has determined that the most appropriate initial evaluation for PTSD is 50 percent.

The veteran's death was due to dementia and renal failure, neither of which were service-connected. The Board found that the service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to cause his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's kidney condition resulting in surgical removal during service is not clearly and unmistakably shown to have existed prior to service, thus granting service connection for residuals of removal of the left kidney.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records from St. Francis Medical Center, Great Lakes Naval Hospital, and Hines VA Medical Center.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's hypertension and renal insufficiency are related to his service, specifically diabetes mellitus.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension and chronic renal insufficiency, with the issues framed as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The case has been remanded due to procedural irregularities and the need to obtain records of treatment for high blood pressure and kidney problems within a year after discharge from service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and VA treatment records. The appellant's claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for growths on his kidney, with hematuria, pain, and abdominal discomfort. The Board found that there was no current disability due to renal cysts.,The Board granted the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis secondary to pes planus. The VA examiner concluded that the veteran had bilateral plantar fasciitis based on his history and clinical examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for body rash, jaundice and kidney disorder, diabetes mellitus, and heart disorder as there is no competent evidence demonstrating these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records and a VA opinion regarding whether the veteran's death was caused by service-connected conditions or other factors.

The Board found that there is no medical evidence of a kidney disorder related to service or service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has granted payment or reimbursement of unauthorized emergency room expenses incurred at Proctor Hospital beginning on January 16, 2005.

The veteran's kidney function loss and related conditions are not deemed to be due to VA care, treatment or examination.

The Board found no evidence of long-term drug therapy, hospitalizations, or recurrent symptomatic infection due to pyelonephritis affecting the urinary tract. The veteran's hypertension is not related to his service-connected pyelonephritis and there are no findings of albumin constant or recurring with hyaline and granular casts or red blood cells, a definite decrease in kidney function, edema, BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) 40-80 mg%, creatinine 4-8 mg%, or generalized poor health characterized by lethargy, weakness, anorexia, weight loss, or limitation of exertion. The Board therefore denied the claim for a compensable disability rating.

The veteran's right toe disability is rated at 20 percent, effective September 1, 2003. The veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and medullary sponge kidney are both rated as noncompensable.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, renal failure/kidney disorder, hypertension, headache disorder, epistaxis, and dizziness are all denied as there is no credible evidence of a verified stressor event in service that would support these diagnoses.

The veteran claims compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for renal failure resulting from prostate surgery at a VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida, in October 1987. The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the nature and cause of his current kidney condition.

The Board finds that the veteran's kidney stones were incurred during service, and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Board found that the veteran does not have asbestosis or any other disease associated with asbestos exposure, and thus denied service connection for asbestosis. For special monthly pension, the Board determined that the veteran is not in need of regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities.