Kidney disease decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for liver, kidney, and lung conditions due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam. The Veteran was not afforded a VA examination and updated medical records are needed.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and the Board denied claims for increased pension benefits and accrued benefits.

The Veteran's kidney cancer claim is reopened due to new evidence, but the service connection remains remanded for further development regarding his exposure at McMurdo Station.

The Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative joint disease, treated with NSAIDs and immunosuppressants, exacerbated her VRE infection and chronic renal failure, contributing to her cause of death. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's kidney disease is remanded for a full examination and opinion to determine if it began during service or is related to diabetes, which is already service-connected.

The Board has determined that new VA opinions are needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, heart disability, chronic kidney disease/renal insufficiency, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and loss of use of a creative organ. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions and reviewing whether referral of the TDIU issue to VA's Director of Compensation Service is warranted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease are granted service connection based on presumed exposure to herbicides. Tinnitus is also granted service connection due to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for a renal condition and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy remains pending as the Veteran has not been examined regarding these conditions. Bilateral SNHL's service connection is denied.

The Board denied service connection for a kidney condition as the Veteran's pre-existing renal disease was not aggravated by her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbosacral strain, ischemic heart disease, and various gunshot wound residuals, have resulted in loss of use of the lower extremities. The Board has granted specially adapted housing for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for chronic kidney disease is being remanded to determine if he was exposed to herbicide agents during his service aboard the USS Buck in Vietnam, and to consider a recent medical opinion linking his condition to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left ankle fracture residuals, heart murmur, hypertension, osteoarthritis neck and shoulder, proteinuria (claimed as a kidney disease), right foot condition, actinic keratosis, and disability claimed as actinic keratosis. The claims are remanded due to unclear duty status during service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a lack of VA examinations and unclear notification regarding scheduled appointments. The Veteran is required to be examined to determine the nature and etiology of his kidney disorder and skin condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hepatitis C and renal insufficiency and kidney stones as secondary to hepatitis C due to new evidence and a need for further medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis with severe ascites, kidney failure, bilateral edema of legs and feet, and fibromyalgia due to a lack of an opinion on their etiology. The cause of death is also being remanded as it is related to hepatitis C.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for chronic kidney disease, claimed under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, was denied by the Board. The Veteran's increased rating claim for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was also denied.

The Veteran's right knee disorder, including a right knee strain and status post-right knee replacement, is granted as service connected.,Service connection for chronic kidney disease and neurogenic bladder secondary to diabetes mellitus are remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted prior to July 12, 2019. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection is granted for coronary heart disease due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.,Service connection is denied for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).,The Veteran's dementia, hypertension, heart attack (stroke), peripheral vascular disease, erectile dysfunction, and kidney renal insufficiency are remanded for further analysis regarding their relationship to his period of service or service-connected conditions.,Accrued benefits for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status is also remanded.

The Veteran's renal cell carcinoma, status post left nephrectomy, is remanded for a VA examination to determine if it was caused by presumed in-service herbicide agent exposure.