Kidney disease decisions — 2012

The Board has granted service connection for kidney cysts, but denied the issues of an increased rating for hypertensive heart disease and whether the reduction in disability rating was proper. The issue of TDIU is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or substantially contributed to by a service-connected disability, and therefore denied both claims for DIC benefits and under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and renal insufficiency were not related to his active duty service or secondary to his diabetes mellitus, type II. The VA examinations did not confirm the presence of chronic renal insufficiency.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and hypertension, which represents a complete grant of the benefits sought on appeal. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and renal disability claims are remanded to obtain additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination, as well as the need to issue a statement of the case on service connection issues.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for polycystic kidney disease, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected hypertension. The case has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination to address whether the Veteran's polycystic kidney disease is aggravated by his service-connected hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy with kidney failure requiring renal dialysis, diabetic retinopathy of the eyes, and diabetic neuropathy. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions of coronary artery disease, hypertension, kidney disease, and hyperlipidemia were not incurred or aggravated by service. The psychiatric disability claim is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable condition under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, glomerulonephritis on renal dialysis, and a coronary disability are denied as the effective dates cannot be earlier than July 10, 2003 due to lack of prior claim.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted service connection due to in-service Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is also granted as secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to an inadequate VA examination. The case will be reviewed after further development.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification regarding the current residuals of the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II and to obtain clarification on whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus or bilateral lower extremity neuropathy. Additionally, VA must attempt to obtain all relevant medical records from Fort Campbell.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including sickle cell trait, lumbar spine disorder, kidney disorder, pancreas disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and bilateral arm and shoulder disorders. The decision found that the Veteran did not have current disabilities related to these conditions incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw it.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus due to exposure to herbicides at Takhli RTAFB, finding that the Veteran's job as a perimeter guard placed him near the base perimeter. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including whether they are related to his service-connected liposarcoma.

The Veteran's amyloidosis with kidney and liver dysfunction was awarded a 100% disability rating effective April 25, 2008. The appellant reached her 26th birthday in December 2007 before the death of the Veteran on February [redacted], 2009. As such, she is not eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under chapter 35.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to assess his current disability levels and determine if service connection can be established for renal insufficiency.

The Board found that the service-connected malaria did not cause or contribute substantially to the Veteran's death. The underlying causes of his death, including ischemic heart disease and renal failure, were considered.