Kidney disease decisions — 2013

The Veteran's kidney disorder is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the private positive nexus opinion.

The Veteran's death from metastatic renal cell carcinoma was not caused by his in-service exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and therefore service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's kidney disorders were not incurred or aggravated by service, and the Board denied service connection for his claimed renal cysts.

The Veteran's claim for a kidney disorder was denied as there is no current evidence of a chronic kidney disability, and the Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against his contention.

The Veteran's sinusitis did not manifest during service and is not related to any in-service event. It was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.,Hypertension was not manifested during service, nor within one year of separation from service. The Veteran does not have current hypertension.,There is no evidence of myocardial infarction during service and the Veteran does not currently have a heart disability to include myocardial infarction.,Gastroesophageal reflux disease did not manifest during service and is not related to any in-service event. It was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosed gastric ulcer.,The Veteran does not have a current liver disability.,Service connection for kidney disorder (calculi of the kidney) cannot be established as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis and it is not related to any in-service event. The claim has been reopened but remains denied.,There is no evidence of bronchial asthma or allergies during service, nor are they currently diagnosed. The claims have been reopened but remain denied.,Service connection for allergies and asthma cannot be established as there is no evidence of a medical nexus between the conditions and a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 30 percent, renal insufficiency at 100 percent effective April 17, 2009. The diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy remains rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's kidney disability and pes planus were not caused by his military service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Travel Board hearing. The service connection issue remains pending.

The Veteran's angiolipoma of the right adrenal gland has not resulted in any endocrine abnormalities or symptomatology.,The echogenic mass in the liver is not productive of any symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and kidney disorder as the evidence did not show actual exposure to Agent Orange during service, and there was no other basis for granting these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, kidney disorder, and erectile dysfunction. The kidney disorder was found not to be related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, kidney disorder, and erectile dysfunction. The kidney disorder was found not to be related to service.

The Board denied service connection for a kidney disorder, claimed as nephritis, and did not reopen the claim. The Veteran's pre-existing kidney disorder was found to have been aggravated by service, but the increase in severity during service is presumed unless there is clear and unmistakable evidence that it was due to natural progression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current kidney disability, including an atrophic right kidney, is related to his in-service injury. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of a head injury, other than headaches and an eye disability is denied as there are no current disabilities related to the reported in-service injuries. The claims for headaches and back disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's adrenal insufficiency is currently rated at 20 percent, but the VA examiner noted that he may warrant a higher rating based on his symptoms of frequent fatigability and episodes of dehydration. The Veteran's hypothyroidism was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; neuropathy; congestive heart failure; and renal failure. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current noncompensable rating for renal calculi appropriately reflects his asymptomatic condition.