Kidney disease decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and kidney disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active duty service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and kidney disability, finding that the conditions were not caused or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a kidney disorder is denied because he does not have a current diagnosis of the condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral kidney condition and kidney cysts, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hepatitis C, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), gastrointestinal disability to include GERD, IBS, and a hiatal hernia are all denied.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction is denied with an initial compensable rating. Service connection for PTSD is also denied as the claimant does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right leg recurrent deep vein thrombosis with post-thrombotic syndrome was rated at 20 percent, while the left retroperitoneal hemorrhage/hematoma, hepatic cysts, erectile dysfunction, and acute renal failure claims were all denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient consideration of a February 2014 private physician's opinion regarding the Veteran's hip disability.

The Board denied service connection for polyuria as a separate disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are associated with multiple service-connected and non-service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, chronic renal disease, and ischemic heart disease with hypertensive cardiovascular disease due to insufficient opinions regarding whether these conditions are secondary to service-connected PTSD. The decision on hypertension could significantly impact the other issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, kidney disorder, and strokes due to incomplete development. The Veteran is seeking service connection based on direct evidence of a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on several conditions have been dismissed. The claims of reopening a psychiatric disorder and hypertension have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to perform activities of daily living without assistance, including bathing and dressing. The Board finds that he is in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is considered service-connected, as likely due to his active service in Vietnam and exposure to Agent Orange. The Board granted the claim based on a positive nexus between the Veteran's service and his current condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and renal disease, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left knee disorder, right shoulder disorder, and kidney disorder due to new evidence received since the April 2015 decision. The Veteran's claims are now pending again.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple myeloma is denied as there is no evidence of the condition.,Service connection for aseptic necrosis and renal failure are also denied, with the Board finding that these conditions are not related to any service-connected disabilities or herbicide exposure.,The Veteran was exposed to herbicides during his service in Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to November 2, 2018 did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but the appeals are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.