Kidney disease decisions — 2015

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension and renal failure (secondary to diabetes mellitus), diabetic retinopathy (secondary to diabetes mellitus), PTSD, increased rating for intervertebral disc syndrome of the right lower extremity, and compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records, which may affect whether the Veteran's death was caused by exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The appeal is reopened based on new evidence.

The Board found that the additional evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of establishing service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, and thus denied the reopening of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete service treatment records and additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed lung disease, kidney disability, and meningitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's heart disorder, kidney disease, and respiratory disorder are not related to his in-service exposure to ionizing radiation. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional information regarding herbicide exposure at Andersen Air Force Base and to address the service connection of diabetes mellitus, Type II. The heart disability, kidney disability, and hypertension claims are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the diabetes mellitus claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and Agent Orange exposure contributed to his death from malignant neoplasm of the kidney. As a result, the claim for service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's death was attributed to end stage renal disease and ischemic heart disease, neither of which were service-connected. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the Veteran's renal cell carcinoma is related to his military service and exposure to herbicides. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an expert medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed significantly to his death.

The Veteran's death was caused by terminal renal failure, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, and hypertensive heart disease. These conditions are not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for kidney cancer due to Agent Orange exposure has been dismissed as the appellant died before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for postoperative residuals of a right radical nephrectomy for renal cancer, including due to exposure at Camp Lejeune, is being remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left kidney cancer, colorectal cancer, and back disability. The claim for residuals of a left leg injury is without merit as there is no evidence of current disability or link to service.,Service connection was not granted for any condition due to lack of medical nexus between in-service injuries and current conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for prostate cancer and kidney disease, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other service-connected conditions that could link these disabilities. The Board also found insufficient medical evidence to establish a direct relationship between the current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, carcinoma of the abdominal cavity (status post-surgical removal), kidney stones, psoriasis, and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted based on a presumption of service connection due to exposure during Gulf War service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if his genitourinary disorder is related to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is found to be proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, respiratory disorder and kidney disorder are denied as there is no evidence of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings, finding no new and material evidence to reopen his left ear hearing loss claim and denying all other issues on appeal.