Kidney disease decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The kidney problems are also addressed as part of the issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of any service-connected disability, and therefore, denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability appeal is dismissed. The claims of service connection for renal failure, non-specific monoclonal gammopathy, interstitial pneumonitis, and hypertension are reopened due to receipt of new and material evidence. Service connection for heart disease remains inextricably intertwined with the renal disease claim.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic kidney disease has been denied. The issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease and for a TDIU remain under review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD, renal problems, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral vascular disease has been granted. The decision also includes the reopening of his previously denied claim for service connection for a leg and back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA audiological examination and issuance of an SOC regarding the issues of service connection and reopening claims.

The Board found that the additional disability resulting from the June 2004 cervical spine surgery and follow-up care was not caused by VA fault or a reasonably foreseeable consequence of the surgery, thus denying compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's death was caused by lung cancer, which is presumed to be service-connected due to his Vietnam-era service. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an incomplete record and a need to obtain private treatment records from Atlantis Healthcare Group.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient compliance with previous remand directives and a need for a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's renal cell carcinoma.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection and TDIU are not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's kidney, prostate, and bladder disabilities are found to be related to service. The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The case is being remanded to obtain additional evidence, including SSA records and VA treatment records. The claims for service connection for the cause of death, TDIU, and DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 will be reconsidered.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and a private medical opinion.

The Veteran's death due to gastric carcinoma was not etiologically linked to his service or any incidents therein or his service-connected disabilities. The basic criteria for entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation benefits pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to schedule a videoconference hearing. The Veteran's claims for service connection and new and material evidence are still pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's renal cell carcinoma did not manifest in service or within one year of separation, and is not related to any disease, injury, or event in service. The Veteran does not have a current disability of the left leg or left hip.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating from August 13, 2009, due to his service-connected disabilities, which include diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease.

The Veteran's physical impairment due to his nonservice-connected conditions requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect himself from the hazards of daily environment, and the Board has determined that he meets the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including hypertension, migraine headaches, heart disease, and kidney disease, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.