Kidney disease decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, renal artery stenosis, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (heart disease), and PTSD are denied. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are remanded. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's cause of death (perforated viscus, acute renal failure, and pulmonary edema) is not service-connected as there is no evidence showing these conditions were caused by his military service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for chronic kidney disease, bladder-related convulsions and abdominal spasms, and inability to urinate as a result of treatment at the Palo Alto VAMC due to lack of evidence of current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further examination, as well as a formal TDIU application.

The Veteran's right knee replacement, kidney disability, and diabetes mellitus have been granted increased ratings. The right knee is rated at 60 percent, the kidney disability at 80 percent, and the diabetes at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of in-service kidney stones, right elbow disability, and left ankle disability are all denied as there is no current disability found by the VA examiners.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for renal cell carcinoma and has determined that he meets the criteria for service connection based on direct evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities, including as due to herbicide exposure, and for renal failure secondary to coronary artery disease.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and rating determinations. The Veteran's claims are related to his military service and various disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a kidney disorder and psychiatric disorder due to outstanding private medical records and further VA examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for a kidney condition due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service. The lower back, right knee, and left knee conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's kidney disease and left knee disability are denied as service connection is not established.,A separate rating of 20 percent for left knee disability is granted, but a higher rating than 10 percent under the appropriate diagnostic codes remains denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and PTSD) is remanded due to potential nexus with in-service treatment records.,Service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD is also remanded as it may be related to service-connected PTSD.,Total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded as the Veteran's current disabilities do not meet the criteria.

The Veteran's claim for reopening of the PTSD claim has been granted. The claims for hypertension and nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) have also been granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. Other claims, including those related to hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, right knee disability, and brain lesions, are being remanded due to incomplete examinations or opinions.

The Veteran's neurogenic bladder and chronic kidney disease are remanded for further examination to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's service connection for renal dysfunction due to medications associated with his service-connected disabilities is granted. The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine with disc narrowing at L4-L5 is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot tendonitis, cold induced bronchospasm, microscopic hematuria/renal failure, and bilateral hearing loss have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims.,Service connection for a blood condition is also denied.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the Board has remanded to determine if the appellant is entitled to any benefits awarded but not paid.,Service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death was denied due to lack of evidence showing a service-connected disability contributed to his death.

The Veteran's kidney disability is being remanded for further evaluation due to the complexity of the medical issue and the need for an independent medical opinion.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic kidney disease as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete information and a need for additional VA examination.