Kidney disease decisions — 2007

The Board denied service connection for heart disease, coronary atherosclerosis and hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus, kidney condition and hyperlipidemia. The claims were not reopened.

The veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is related to his military service, leading to the grant of service connection. The kidney disorder was not found, but the erectile dysfunction resulting from this condition is now considered service-connected.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for kidney disability, including removal of left kidney. The veteran's claim was denied because there was no evidence showing a chronic kidney disability incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for reopening her service connection claims for residuals of a stroke and chronic renal failure, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection or increased ratings for his claimed conditions. The evidence is against a finding of a chronic disease process of the lungs, and there is no objective evidence of severe pes planus with marked deformity as required for a higher rating. For residuals of liver injury and ruptured right kidney, the veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death was not related to his service and denied both claims for service connection for the cause of death and DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board hearing at the RO. The issues of compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 and increased rating for right nephrostomy and nephrolithotomy are not addressed as they are marked as 'unknown'.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine if the veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death, which is currently under review.

The Board denied service connection for cancer of the larynx and tonsils, as well as kidney disability, both claimed as secondary to in-service exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange). The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement or payment of unauthorized medical services rendered after the first two days of his private hospitalization in St. John's Medical Center from December 10 to 22, 2003, and during his stay in the RCU of St. John's Medical Center from December 22 to 26, 2003, was denied as he was sufficiently stabilized for transfer to a VA facility.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for hepatitis C and kidney disorder due to incomplete records, including VA treatment records and private medical records. The veteran is also asked to provide a buddy statement regarding any tattoos during service and a medical opinion from Dr. Ballou.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected anxiety neurosis caused his alcoholism, which in turn led to cardiovascular-renal disease and contributed to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The veteran claims service connection for chronic renal failure, which the RO denied. The Board has ordered remand due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination.

The Board found no CUE in the October 1984 decision denying service connection for the cause of death, and denied the motion for revision.

The Board has determined that the VAMC's decision denying payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses was not supported by adequate and competent evidence, as there are conflicting statements regarding whether a medical emergency existed and whether VA facilities were feasibly available. The case is being remanded to allow further review.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the veteran's renal cell carcinoma is related to his service or exposure to contaminants at Fort Sheridan Army Base.

The Board finds that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and therefore DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 are denied.

The Board has denied the appellant's claim to reopen her service connection for cause of death, finding that new and material evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has determined that hypertension and renal pathology are at least as likely as not related to service, including the 1975 fall during active duty. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.