Kidney disease decisions — 2015

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for polycystic kidney disease, but denied the claim for service connection for hypertension.

The Board finds that the service-connected frostbite residuals did not cause or contribute substantially to the Veteran's death, as determined by a VA physician. The primary cause of death was COPD, which is not related to the service-connected condition.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, as it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to address the relationship between his claimed conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for further development, particularly regarding his immersion feet claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and medical opinions. The examinations should address all in-service and post-service testing for lead exposure, as well as the Veteran's full service treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II, and end stage renal disease with dialysis were denied as there is no evidence of exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Korea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for clear cell carcinoma of the lungs and renal cell carcinoma are being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology, specifically whether they are related to herbicide exposure during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service records need to be verified for periods of active duty in Vietnam. Additionally, a VA physician is requested to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's heart disease and diabetes hastened his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and procurement of relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected hypertension with mild renal insufficiency is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic kidney stone disability, hypertension, and basal cell carcinoma are not service-connected.,There is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active service or herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's kidney and scrotal cysts are not related to his service at Camp Lejeune, including exposure to contaminated water. The VA examiner concluded that simple renal cysts are more common as people age and have an unknown etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of hypertension, renal insufficiency, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the receipt of additional VA treatment records and private treatment records. The AOJ will review these records and readjudicate the claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received within the appeal period, allowing for a reopening of the claim of service connection for asbestosis. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. His diabetic nephropathy is also presumed to be related to his diabetes. However, there is no indication that his right knee disability is service-connected.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn with respect to his claims of service connection for renal cancer and a higher rate of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of both feet. The remaining issues are decided as follows.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of the conditions, including right hand scars, left hip scar, chin scar, and knee conditions.

The Veteran's death from metastatic renal carcinoma was not proximately caused by VA treatment, including any delay in diagnosing the condition.

The Veteran's kidney disability claim is being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records related to his August 2014 hospital admission for an acute kidney injury.