Kidney disease decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.,The Veteran's shin splints claim is being remanded as it may be related to his already service-connected bilateral pes planus, and a new examination is needed.,The Veteran's left wrist disorder claim is being remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) claim is being remanded due to the need for an in-service stressor verification and a VA psychiatric examination.,The Veteran's prostate disorder claim is being remanded as it may be related to exposure to Agent Orange or other chemicals, and a VA examination is needed.,The Veteran's skin disorder claim is being remanded as it may be related to exposure to Agent Orange or other chemicals, and a VA examination is needed.,The Veteran's kidney disorder claim is being remanded due to the need for verification of an in-service kidney condition or exposure to a chemical or jet fuel associated with assisting with recovery efforts in a plane crash at Eglin Air Force Base.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, as his current symptoms may be related to his service-connected cerebral infarction. The TDIU claim is also being deferred until these other claims can be adjudicated.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for renal cell carcinoma, finding that it was not present during service and is not related to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, kidney disorder, skin disorder, and GERD have been granted. The appeal for service connection for CAD is remanded due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for kidney cancer, sleep apnea, and right third finger scar. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions and the need for further evidentiary development.

The Veteran's kidney stones are rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines, and thus an evaluation in excess of 30 percent is denied. The Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU on an extraschedular basis from February 29, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for a kidney disability and a heart disability, finding that the Veteran's in-service symptoms were likely manifestations of underlying conditions that resulted in his current disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in duty to assist and insufficient evidence regarding service connection for kidney cancer, which may be related to herbicide exposure during active service. The Veteran needs to provide VA Form 21-4142 for any relevant medical providers and a VA examination is required.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bronchitis, a kidney condition, a lumbar spine disability, right foot arthritis, left knee arthritis, and a deviated septum. The claim of service connection for DMII secondary to bilateral knee and foot disabilities and/or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a kidney disability and kidney lesions as there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the current condition.

The Veteran's renal calculi and headache disability are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD due to sexual trauma with alcohol dependence.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disability, urinary disability, testicular disability, respiratory disability, right shoulder disability, right and left heel disabilities, post-operative hernia residuals, sleep disability (insomnia), E. coli infection residuals, and a disability manifested by obesity. The issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sciatic disorder is dismissed as the condition is already included in the residuals of stroke granted service connection and awarded a 100 percent disability rating.,Service connection for kidney stones is denied due to lack of evidence showing that the condition began during active service or was related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 60 percent for incontinence is denied as he is already receiving the highest available rating based on his disability.,Service connection for dermatitis is denied because the Veteran does not have more than 40% of exposed areas affected, and systemic therapy is not required.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for seizures is granted as he meets the criteria for moderate incomplete paralysis of a nerve.,Service connection for slurred speech is denied because it does not meet the criteria for a separate disability.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for kidney disease as secondary to diabetes mellitus because there is no evidence of chronic kidney disease during the claims period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos or volatile organic compounds and his service connection claim for renal cell carcinoma.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to multiple myeloma and related conditions, finding that kidney disease was not linked to service. The Veteran's death was attributed to multiple myeloma.

The Board has denied service connection for kidney disease and gum disease, and has remanded the claims for degenerative arthritis of the right knee, shortening of the right leg, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right hand and wrist, and arthritis of the right wrist.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his hypertensive heart disease and other contributing conditions were not related to his military service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for renal failure, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or chemical exposure.