Kidney disease decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for the removal of his right kidney was granted on April 28, 2017. The Board denied an earlier effective date as there is no regulation or precedent that supports such a decision.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for chronic kidney disease and acquired psychiatric disorder due to potential outstanding SSA disability records, as well as their inextricably intertwined nature.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for CLL and an increased rating for CKD, as well as his TDIU claim. The remand requires obtaining additional evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents at Fort McClellan and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his CLL.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of renal cell carcinoma and removal of the left kidney, finding no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's in-service exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claim for stage 3 chronic kidney disease is remanded due to the need for verification of exposure to herbicides during his service in Korea.

The Board has denied service connection for renal mass/kidney cancer and left ear hearing loss. The case is remanded to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities and is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to the loss of his right kidney is remanded as there are questions regarding whether VA failed to diagnose and treat a pre-existing condition, leading to additional disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his hypertension, kidney disability, gastrointestinal disorder, gout, and TDIU claim.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for renal cell carcinoma and painful scars status post partial nephrectomy associated with renal cell carcinoma are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence in their favor. The issues include prostate cancer, groin injury residuals, and urinary conditions other than prostate cancer.

The Board has remanded the claims for compensation under Section 1151 for chronic kidney disease and a heart condition due to a BCG procedure performed in December 2006 at a VA facility. The Veteran's spouse is seeking compensation, but new opinions are needed regarding whether the BCG procedure resulted in additional disabilities and if VA was at fault.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are being remanded due to the receipt of new evidence.,The Veteran is also being scheduled for various VA examinations related to his disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral knee scars has been dismissed.,Service connection for brain aneurysm secondary to right knee disability, upper extremity gout secondary to service-connected kidney disease, and lower extremity gout secondary to service-connected kidney disease have all been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney disease and gout, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Board also remanded cases regarding a higher rating for right ulnar neuropathy and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's renal cell carcinoma is related to his active service, specifically exposure to burn pits during his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for renal cell carcinoma is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus and renal cell carcinoma clear cell type are granted service connection due to in-service exposure. The bladder disability and prostate disability claims are denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU prior to May 8, 2001. The case is being remanded for further action by the Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and Chronic Kidney Disease have been granted. The Board found that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service, and also found that there is an equal balance of positive and negative evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's chronic kidney disease and his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of urethral, kidney, cardiovascular, and testicular disabilities have been denied.,Service connection is not established for any of these conditions.