Kidney disease decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, and providing the Veteran with a sleep apnea and kidney disorder examination.

The Veteran's surviving spouse is not entitled to an increased rate of DIC because he was not in receipt of, nor was he entitled to receive, compensation for a service-connected disability that was rated totally disabling for at least eight years immediately preceding his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's end-stage renal disease and neoplasm of the kidney are service-connected due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran is also granted special monthly compensation for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability in most cases, with the exception of chronic rhinosinusitis.

The Veteran's death is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination. The lung disability issue is also being remanded due to its potential impact on the cause of death claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and renal cell carcinoma were denied as there is no evidence of a causal relationship between the conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO due to failure to substantially comply with prior instructions.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development, including providing copies of new VA medical opinions and allowing an appropriate time period for response. The claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and further developing the claim for Dependent's Educational Assistance benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sickle cell disease, glaucoma of the right eye, avascular necrosis of the right hip, and a renal disorder. The Board found that the Veteran's sickle cell disease preexisted his service and was not aggravated by it.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral renal cysts are not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities and service connection for pancreas failure, renal failure (including as due to diabetes mellitus, type 2), hypertension (including as due to diabetes mellitus, type 2), and diabetes mellitus, type 2. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, renal cysts and/or lesions, to include incontinence, and diplopia were denied. The claim for increased evaluation for diabetes mellitus was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's kidney disorders are not related to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicides or napalm. The evidence does not establish a direct link between his in-service exposures and his current conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic renal disease and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing, and no other decisions have been made regarding service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 is being remanded due to the lack of complete medical records from his treatment in 1992.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected kidney disorder was denied as the evidence did not show persistent edema and albuminuria with BUN 40 to 80 mg%, creatinine 4 to 8mg%, generalized poor health, regular dialysis, markedly decreased function, or preclusions of more than sedentary activity.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents. His kidney disability and renal calculi are not presumptively linked to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multicystic clear cell renal carcinoma is the result of in-service Agent Orange exposure and grants service connection for this condition.