Kidney disease decisions — 2022

The Board granted service connection for hypothyroidism, hypogeusia and xerostomia, and chronic renal disease on a secondary basis to service-connected squamous cell cancer of the tongue. The effective dates are set at July 12, 2013, April 28, 2011, and May 19, 2011 respectively.,The Veteran's claims for hypothyroidism, hypogeusia and xerostomia, and chronic renal disease were filed in March 2011. The earliest dates of entitlement arose on July 12, 2013, April 28, 2011, and May 19, 2011 respectively.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for chronic kidney disease and myasthenia gravis due to exposure to chemicals and/or nonionizing radiation, as verification of these exposures is needed.

The Veteran died of cardiac arrest due to acute myocardial infarction with kidney failure and end stage dementia. The Board found no evidence linking the cause of death to his military service, thus denying service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has found that the Veteran's left kidney condition is related to his service-connected bladder cancer and may be aggravated by it, but more evidence is needed to determine if it is also related to exposure to herbicide agents. The case is being remanded for a VA medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran had kidney failure on or after June 29, 2017 and if it was caused by negligence on the part of VA.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's kidney dysfunction is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected CAD. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's renal cysts are denied as service connection is not established due to lack of a medical nexus.,Service connection for polycythemia vera and familial erythrocytosis, as well as iron deficiency anemia secondary to these conditions, is remanded as the etiology remains unclear.,Gout is remanded as its relationship to the Veteran's service on Camp Lejeune exposure is not established.,Hypertension is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its cause and potential relation to service.,Diverticulitis and diverticulosis are also remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic kidney disease and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to January 27, 2021. From that date, his combined disability rating was 100 percent due to the combination of all his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's kidney disease and acute cardiorenal syndrome are being remanded for further evaluation, including opinions on whether they are related to his service-connected coronary artery disease, exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, or exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, coronary artery disease (claimed as a heart condition), diabetes mellitus, type II, kidney disability, cervical spine disability, back disability, right hip disability, left hip disability, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, right elbow disability, left elbow disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, right foot disability, left foot disability, and right knee disability. The Board found no evidence of in-service onset or relationship to service for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic renal disease is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The AOJ will need to address whether his claimed exposure to PCBs and pesticides during service may be related to his current condition.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error regarding obtaining outstanding medical records.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is granted.,Presumptive service connection for hypertension due to herbicide agent exposure is granted under the PACT Act.,Presumptive service connection for chronic kidney disease due to herbicide agent exposure is granted under the PACT Act.,Presumptive service connection for a urology condition (prostatic hypertrophy, voiding dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction) due to herbicide agent exposure is granted under the PACT Act.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for kidney disease and peripheral neuropathy, as these conditions may be related to herbicide exposure. The remand includes obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for mesothelioma and kidney cancer due to a lack of an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his respiratory and kidney conditions, which are not presumed to be related to exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran is also exposed to asbestos while aboard the U.S.S. Hancock.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new information suggesting a possible link between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his claimed conditions. The Veteran will need to undergo further examination to determine if these conditions are related.

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 active duty service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to notification issues and because of evidence indicating a worsening of the disorders since previous examinations conducted several years ago.

The Veteran's service connection claim for multiple myeloma as secondary to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is granted.,The Veteran's service connection claims for a kidney condition, POEMS syndrome, and thyroid condition as secondary to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are also granted.