Kidney disease decisions — 2016

The Veteran seeks an increased disability rating for uretral obstruction resulting in hydronephrosis and chronic renal insufficiency, which was rated as non-compensable. The Board has ordered a remand to provide the Veteran with a comprehensive VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for swelling joints, sinusitis, bilateral pes planus, and sleep apnea. The remaining service connection issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's renal cell carcinoma, which caused his death, was likely due to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the case can be adjudicated, including obtaining VA treatment records and service personnel records. The Veteran's kidney condition may be related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney disease and TDIU. The Veteran was found not to have a current disability related to kidney disease, and his combined rating did not meet the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and kidney disorder are related to his military service, granting both claims.

The Veteran's death was due to multiple terminal conditions, including Parkinson's disease and complications from C. difficile colitis/sepsis, acute kidney injury, and pancytopenia. The Board finds that further development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to alveolar hemorrhage, renal failure, and emphysema. Service connection for these conditions is denied as they are not directly related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right shoulder dislocation was denied, while his claim for service connection for chronic renal failure was granted.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus and/or chronic kidney disease. As a result, the criteria for secondary service connection have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Board hearing due to his inability to attend the previously scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, left hip disability, and right knee disability have all been granted.

The Veteran's lung cancer was metastatic from primary renal cancer and not related to herbicide exposure. The Board denied service connection for the cause of death as there is no evidence showing a disease or injury incurred in service caused or contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and providing a nexus opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and chronic renal failure are not fully resolved due to inconsistencies in his reported stressors and military service, leading to a mixed disposition. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions may be related to his military service but there is insufficient evidence to establish direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to toxic chemicals while stationed at Naval Air Station Agana in Guam. The appellant seeks service connection for cause of death resulting from Hodgkin's disease and renal failure, which is reopened based on new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain his service treatment records and provide him with adequate VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. The matter will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his withdrawal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of sleep apnea and readjudication of his service connection claims.

The Veteran's hypertension with mild renal insufficiency has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.