Kidney disease decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, thus the claim for a higher level of SMC is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed residuals of bladder surgery. The issue remains on appeal as service connection is decided on the merits.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disorder, premature ventricular contractions, excessive potassium levels, and kidney disorder. The claim for left knee disorder is being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for renal cell carcinoma and respiratory cancer on a presumptive basis due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's respiratory cancer is found to be secondary to his service-connected renal cell carcinoma.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and information from the Social Security Administration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of kidney disease, low back disability, left leg disability, or psychiatric disability other than his service-connected left knee disability. The appeal for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's death was not caused by VA negligence in furnishing hospital care, medical treatment, or examination. The Board found that the Veteran's death resulted from his own conditions and events not reasonably foreseeable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic kidney disease and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for clarification of previous VA opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board found that the Veteran's kidney disorder did not manifest in service and is not otherwise related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.