Kidney disease decisions — 2017

The Veteran's basic eligibility for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at Verde Valley Medical Center (VVMC) in Cottonwood, Arizona on December 17, 2012 is granted based on the criteria outlined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's eye disorder, elbow disorder, shoulder disorder, bilateral foot disorder, kidney stones, sleep disorder, and skin disorders are not service-connected. The Veteran's vision problems during service were corrected with glasses/contact lenses.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to a compensable disability rating for otitis media and service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, sleep apnea, ischemic heart disease, GERD, erectile dysfunction, renal failure, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and TDIU. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, as well as his renal disorder. The Board found no evidence of such conditions in service or due to service.,Service connection was also denied for tinea pedis and cruris, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to outstanding records and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for kidney stones and a back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and authorization to release medical records related to a planned kidney removal surgery. A VA oncologist or urologist will provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's renal/adrenal cancer is at least as likely as not related to service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine his current employment status and any accommodations provided by his employer.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates have been decided. The grant of CAD, TDIU, and DEA benefits are upheld with the effective dates set at November 9, 1999. However, the reduction in rating for left lower extremity neuropathy is found to be proper.

The Board dismissed the motion for revision of a decision based on CUE due to insufficient allegations and failure to comply with requirements.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and clarification of his claims, including a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his tinnitus and kidney disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions as a result of exposure to herbicides are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's sinusitis with allergic rhinitis is currently rated at 30 percent, effective May 31, 2013. The Board finds that the evidence does not meet or more nearly reflect the criteria for a higher rating prior to this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of Bell's palsy, medullary sponge kidney (kidney disorder), bilateral fallen arches, or optic neuritis. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records. The claims of service connection will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's kidney cancer and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by service, including exposure to herbicides. The preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's appeal for increases in the 'staged' ratings assigned for renal calculi and bladder cancer has been remanded due to incomplete records. An earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating is denied as there is no legal basis for an effective date prior to September 27, 2003.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's heart condition contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's exposure to herbicides and to obtain VA treatment records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's focal glomerulosclerosis with bilateral echogenic kidney is rated at 60 percent since January 27, 1995 through March 21, 2012 and 30 percent since March 22, 2012. The higher initial rating for headaches has been granted.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for a kidney disorder and a respiratory disorder, as both conditions are not shown to be related to his active military service.