Kidney disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran claims that his kidney cancer is a result of VA-prescribed medication for hypertension. The Board finds the claim requires further examination and medical opinions to determine if the disability was caused or accelerated by VA treatment.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right hip disability has been denied. The appeals for higher initial ratings for lumbar strain, left hip strain, and left thigh impingement are pending. The appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder with mood congruent psychotic features is also pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and renal insufficiency due to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II (DMII) as they are inextricably intertwined. A new VA opinion is needed to address whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's current hypertension and renal insufficiency were caused or aggravated by his DMII, including considering exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about the adequacy of the statement of reasons or bases for its denial and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches and kidney disorder are not related to service, including exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE). The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability, hypertension, and kidney disease on a secondary basis to his service-connected sarcoidosis. Service connection for arthritis of the hands was not established.

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date is January 22, 2007. For special monthly compensation based upon aid and attendance or housebound status, the Veteran's condition does not meet the criteria as he can feed himself and prepare his own meals.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with a Memorandum Decision from the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The Veteran's claim is being returned to the AOJ for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development.

The Veteran's kidney cancer is presumed to have been caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his service, and he meets the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and chronic kidney disease, finding that both conditions are at least as likely as not related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Veteran's PTSD is also found to aggravate his hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected left kidney disability warrants an initial 30 percent rating for the entire period on appeal, based on reduced kidney function.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of left-sided kidney cancer is granted based on presumed exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune during his military service.

The Veteran's post-operative residuals of left ureteropelvic junction obstruction and surgical scars with muscle cramps have been granted a compensable rating, but the kidney stone condition remains non-compensably rated.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a kidney disability is denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his kidney disability is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination to address causation under section 1151. The Veteran's claim is inextricably intertwined with his petition to reopen service connection for kidney cancer.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of cancer of the left leg and did not manifest it during the pendency of his appeal.,A medical nexus has not been established between an in-service incurrence and a current diagnosis of a kidney condition, and the current kidney condition such as kidney calculi did not manifest within one year of separation of service.

The Veteran's causes of death were not service-connected, and he did not meet the eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected death pension or accrued benefits.

The Veteran's renal cell carcinoma, liver disorder, and HTN were not found to be related to his active service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a chronic kidney disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (Bipolar Disorder) have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not currently have a diagnosed chronic kidney disability, and there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current psychiatric condition and events in service.