Kidney disease decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's loss of left kidney was incurred in service and grants this claim. The issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension as secondary to the loss of left kidney is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's DM was rated appropriately, but his PTSD warranted a higher rating from May 14, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to consider his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The RO will review these claims in accordance with VA policies regarding such cases.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for scheduling a personal hearing at the RO. The AOJ should take appropriate steps in accordance with the Veteran's request and return the claims file for further consideration.

The Board found that there was no additional disability caused by VA's medical treatment, and thus denied the Veteran's claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination for the Veteran's son and updating the claim file with treatment records. The appellant's claims of nonservice-connected burial benefits, service connection for the cause of death, recognition as a helpless child, and eligibility for DEA benefits are inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for the cause of death.

The Board found that the cause of death (chronic renal insufficiency) was not related to the appellant's spouse's recognized Philippine guerrilla service. The other conditions claimed by the appellant were also not shown to be related to his service.

The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to cardiac arrest with underlying causes being CAD and renal failure. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or exposure to herbicides, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals are being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, kidney disorder, prostate disorder, bilateral pes planus, and hepatitis C. The claim for an initial disability rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD prior to February 14, 2002 was also denied. Additionally, the claim for total unemployability secondary to service-connected disability prior to February 15, 2013 is pending.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities, hypothyroidism, and kidney disorder due to herbicide exposure. The appellant's National Guard service at CFB Gagetown in Canada is under further investigation.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, and related complications require further examination to determine the appropriate disability rating. The issue of TDIU is also remanded for additional development.

The Veteran died due to cardiorespiratory arrest, congestive heart failure, end stage renal disease, and related conditions. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or any disability of service origin.

The Board has granted service connection for Grave's disease, primary cutaneous vasculitis, major depressive disorder with sleep disturbance and fatigue. Service connection is denied for the remaining conditions as they are not related to service or due to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to a confirmed in-service stressor, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The kidney disorder and low back disability issues are remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding pesticide exposure and a need for an addendum report from the VA examiner.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of death, non-service connected death pension benefits, and accrued benefits.,The Veteran died in August 2008 from renal failure, lung cancer, dementia, and diabetes mellitus. None of these conditions were related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney, right hip, heart disease, and neck disorders have been denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fatal hepatocellular carcinoma, which occurred many years after service, was likely due to his in-service exposure to Aflatoxin. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

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