Kidney disease decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection claims, SMC based on aid and attendance, and an evaluation for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's attorney requested to review additional evidence.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for hypertension and a renal condition, bilateral kidneys, as they are related to herbicide agent exposure due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's kidney disease with hypertension prior to December 7, 2015 did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. After December 7, 2015, it also did not warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury, residuals of a neck injury, and kidney stones with hematuria were granted effective from April 30, 2019.

The Veteran's kidney cancer is related to presumed in-service herbicide agent exposure and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his service-connected kidney disability is remanded due to the lack of substantial compliance with the Board's June 2019 Remand directives.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for nephrolithiasis was denied. The Board granted service connection for the low back disability, finding that it is more likely than not related to an in-service combat training accident.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities can be classified as residuals of organic disease or injury, which could affect his eligibility for SAH.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his death was caused by a combination of pre-existing conditions including coronary artery disease and other risk factors.

Service connection is granted for multiple myeloma, anemia as secondary to multiple myeloma, and kidney disease as secondary to multiple myeloma. The claims for service connection of sleep apnea, muscle tremors of the left arm, insomnia, hypertension, and edema are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease and renal insufficiency as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease. The decision is based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents in the coastal waters of Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's kidney disability, which may be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board has remanded several issues, including those related to the neck disorder and right hip degenerative joint disease.,No new or relevant evidence was received to reopen the claim of service connection for a neck disorder.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, which was caused by his service-connected exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam, is considered the secondary cause of death. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death and if his end stage liver disease, cirrhosis, and end stage renal disease were related to military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding asbestos exposure and kidney cancer etiology. Further development is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a genitourinary disorder, claimed as kidney problems, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted service connection. The claims for renal dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death, as his fall was due to a hip fracture unrelated to any service-connected disability.