Kidney disease decisions — 2015

The Veteran's cause of death was due to metastatic colon cancer, renal cancer, and lung metastasis. The Appellant seeks service connection for the cause of her husband's death based on exposure to herbicides during his active duty in Vietnam. However, the RO denied this claim as the presence aboard USS Mauna Loa did not constitute service in Vietnam for purposes of the presumption of herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's renal cancer and lung cancer are found to be related to his service, specifically his in-service exposure to herbicides. His hypertension is also considered secondary to his renal cancer.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disorders have been attributed to known clinical diagnoses of chondromalacia patella, osteoarthritis, and patellofemoral syndrome. The claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders are denied as the disorders are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident during service.

The Veteran's surviving spouse was substituted as the claimant for his pending claims of service connection for respiratory disability, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disability, and hypertension. The Board found that these conditions are related to in-service exposure to carbon tetrachloride.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner and scheduling appropriate examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining information about his service in Korea and the 7th Ordnance Company.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be service-connected, and it is determined that his hypertension and GERD are secondary to this condition.,Service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD has been established. The Veteran's current hypertension is attributed to his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for GERD as secondary to PTSD has also been established. The Veteran's current GERD is attributed to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's stage III kidney disease, which he claims are bowel and bladder problems, is found to be secondary to his hypertension. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for left nephrectomy, status post renal cell carcinoma. The Board also finds that service connection is warranted based on exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a lack of compliance with previous remand instructions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's Alzheimer's type dementia as secondary to and caused by his service-connected Henoch Schonlein purpura (HSP) with renal dysfunction, effective from the date of death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to afford a VA examination and medical opinion regarding his kidney disorder. Additionally, the claims for service connection for right shoulder arthritis, broken right middle finger, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and chronic left ankle sprain are also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and any relevant SSA records. The AOJ will then review the claims and readjudicate them.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's kidney disorder is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney cancer and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has determined that a medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's renal cell carcinoma caused or contributed substantially or materially to his death. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's renal cancer, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction were not shown to be related to service or any service-connected disability. The claims are denied.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral renal cell carcinoma of the kidneys is related to his military service, specifically whether it was caused or worsened by herbicide exposure. The case is being remanded for further development and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertensive vascular disease and a kidney condition are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a new examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic renal failure does not warrant an initial disability rating in excess of 80 percent prior to July 16, 2013.