Kidney disease decisions — 2020

The Veteran's end stage renal disease, status post kidney transplant is granted a 100 percent evaluation. The initial evaluation for hyperparathyroidism prior to December 10, 2017 was denied. For hyperparathyroidism since December 10, 2017, the case is remanded as more evidence is needed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his asthma with bronchitis, left knee disability, COPD, and diverticulitis claims.,The Veteran’s kidney condition claim requires additional private treatment records from 'The Renal Associates' to be associated with the file.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need of regular aid and attendance was granted with an effective date of April 16, 2010. The claim for higher level aid and attendance allowance was also granted with an effective date of December 15, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims for chronic kidney disease and urinary incontinence (bladder leakage) as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus II due to incomplete VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lung cancer and kidney condition due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, as there may be relevant medical records not associated with the claims file. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and provide an adequate VA examination regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to potential exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxins during service in Iraq, and a VA examination is needed to determine if kidney cancer was caused by these exposures.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease and Hypertensive Vascular Disease due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension and chronic kidney disease due to insufficient examination findings. The Veteran's claim must be reconsidered with an addendum opinion from the examiner.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for renal calculus, diabetes mellitus, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, a new VA examination is required to assess the nature and etiology of any diagnosed renal calculus disability, including whether it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Additionally, the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy are being remanded as well.

The Veteran's claims regarding TDIU, a higher rating for schizophreniform disorder, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than schizophreniform disorder, and service connection for cyst on kidney are all remanded due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and whether his hypertension is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and kidney disease. The issues of service connection for both conditions are being reviewed again with a focus on the exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has dismissed all the Veteran's claims for service connection as they are not related to his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for both Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) and end stage renal disease, including as secondary to HIV. The Veteran's HIV was not shown to be causally related to an in-service event or injury, while his end stage renal disease did not begin during service.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of $6,990 was validly created due to a change in dependent status and the Veteran's failure to apply for spousal benefits. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100 percent rating throughout the appeal period.,New and material evidence has been presented to reopen his claims for service connection of diabetes mellitus, type II, skin disability, and kidney disability. These claims are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, kidney disease, residuals of head injury, and left ear injury (other than tinnitus). Service connection was granted for tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The other issues on appeal have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic headaches, chronic kidney stones, a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), and OSA have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran’s assertions of in-service onset or relationship to service.,There was no current diagnosis of these conditions at any time during the pendency of the claims.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy) as they are not related to service. The Veteran's death was also not found to be caused by any service-connected disability.