Kidney disease decisions — 2013

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PKD, a stomach disorder, and PTSD due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and kidney stones, both incurred in active service.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, finding that his exposure to Agent Orange was not supported by evidence and that his current disabilities were not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's kidney disability is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination to determine the etiology of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diverticulitis, colitis, and IBS have been denied. However, the Veteran's renal/ureter calculi are presumed to be due to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his substantive appeal for the evaluation of his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the preexisting diabetes mellitus did not worsen during or after service.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, claimed as ulcerative proctitis, and for renal cell carcinoma due to exposure to Agent Orange and benzene chemicals. The Veteran's current conditions are found in equipoise with the evidence supporting his claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer were denied as there is no evidence of a link between these conditions and his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of service connection for gout and renal insufficiency.

The VA determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not require regular aid and attendance, as he is able to perform most daily activities without assistance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, as the added medical records do not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for a kidney disability and granted service connection, finding that his congenital kidney disability was aggravated by military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus did not start during service and is less likely related to his military noise exposure. The other conditions were not granted as service-connected.

The VA reduced the Veteran's disability rating for renal cell carcinoma from 100% to 60%, effective December 1, 2010. The reduction was proper based on a subsequent examination showing improvement in his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was due to renal cell carcinoma, which is service-connected based on in-service exposure to jet engine fuel and other contaminants. The appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage rating standards for TDIU, and his combined rating is 50 percent. The Board finds that he is not unemployable due solely to service-connected conditions.