Kidney disease decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran's acute chronic renal failure was not caused by his left knee replacement surgery performed at a VA medical facility, and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's renal cell cancer, including residuals of a nephrectomy, was granted service connection based on presumed exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam service. Lung cancer is also granted as due to in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 40 percent since June 5, 2014. The rating is based on the requirement of insulin and a restricted diet.

The Board has granted service connection for renal cancer as a result of exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, and also grants service connection as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete records and the need for further examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney disability and low back disability will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's conceded herbicide exposure caused any disability that contributed to or hastened his death. The appeal is currently in a pending status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding possible exposure to Chemical Warfare Materials (CWMs) and radiation during service, as well as a VA spine examination to address whether his current back disorder is aggravated by his service-connected left foot disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for further development due to the need for medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his claimed disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for heart disease and atrial fibrillation, finding new and material evidence. The kidney removal is not related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for kidney cancer and prostate cancer, both claimed to be due to herbicide exposure. The case has been remanded for further development regarding the specific nature of his alleged exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II was denied by the Board. The appeal is based on complications and additional conditions related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused or substantially contributed to by any service-connected disability, as his cause of death was due to chronic edema/venous stasis and immobility from arthritis. The service-connected disabilities did not play a material role in causing his death.

The Veteran's kidney disorder is being remanded for further development, including verification of radiation exposure and obtaining additional medical records. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The appellant withdrew her appeal seeking DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and the Board dismissed this matter.

The Veteran died from non-service-connected causes and was not receiving VA service-connected compensation or pension benefits at the time of his death. Therefore, he is ineligible for nonservice-connected burial benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to address issues related to service connection for arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and left kidney cancer.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate was denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, attributing it to lung cancer and metastatic renal cell adenocarcinoma, which were not found to be caused by Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus and also seeks service connection for a kidney condition secondary to his diabetes. The case has been remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and additional development of records.