Kidney disease decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of renal cell carcinoma, status post partial nephrectomy, due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is granted on a presumptive basis. The claim for direct service connection remains pending and requires further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney disability secondary to hypertension and heart disability secondary to diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient evidence and need for further review.

Service connection for pulmonary fibrosis, acute renal failure, and bilateral toe drop is granted.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is remanded due to lack of evidence in the record.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and effective date were dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected renal cancer, pulmonary embolism, and associated scars are granted effective February 19, 2017. The Veteran was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Wegener's Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease due to the need for additional VA examinations to address secondary service connection issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, GERD, and chronic kidney failure due to the lack of a thorough opinion regarding whether these conditions are related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during his service and this exposure is presumed to cause the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating increases have been dismissed due to his request to withdraw the appeals.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for renal and lung cancer are remanded due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of an adequate nexus opinion regarding the relationship between his conditions and in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been granted service connection and is rated as a separate disability.,Service connection for hypertension with chronic kidney disease was granted, but the Veteran's initial rating of 60% remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for hyperlipidemia, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, CAD, chronic kidney disease, and coronary artery disease due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's entire period of service in the U.S. Naval Reserve is requested.

The appeal to readjudicate the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed.,The appeals to readjudicate claims of service connection for tinnitus, kidney conditions, an acquired psychiatric disability, a dental condition, and acid reflux are granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for atrial fibrillation, essential hypertension, diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease due to potential exposure to firefighting foam, diesel oil, and fumes during military service. A VA medical opinion is needed to assess whether these conditions are related to toxic exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension with chronic kidney disease and PTSD have been reopened, but the right shoulder disability claim remains denied. The case is remanded to consider the PTSD claim on its merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, but remanded for further evaluation of his cause of death and contributory causes.

The Board has determined that there are insufficient records to make a determination on the service connection claims for various disabilities. The Veteran's exposure history and prior service need further clarification, as well as additional medical opinions regarding peripheral artery disease and neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeal for increased SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(p) and higher rate of SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(2) is denied due to lack of eligibility for compensation at the maximum rate or intermediate rate authorized.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic kidney disease and bilateral hearing loss are not granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for stroke residuals with right-sided weakness is remanded, as well as his claim for service connection for eye condition to include cataracts and retinal pigment epithelium changes.