Kidney disease decisions — 2023

The Veteran's CKD is now rated at 100% effective November 2, 2021, due to being aggravated by his service-connected diabetes. Prior ratings have been reduced accordingly.

The appeals of the denials of service connection for hypertension, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are dismissed. Service connection for chronic kidney disease is granted.

The Veteran's bladder and kidney disabilities are considered 'additional disabilities' that developed after his VA medical treatment. The Board has determined these disabilities were not caused by VA care, but the examiner needs to provide new opinions regarding actual and proximate causation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric conditions and skin thinning, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to April 16, 2020. From that date onwards, he met the schedular requirements for TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence received after the last statement of the case and the need for a VA examination to assess urinary dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied. The claims for service connection for residuals of kidney cancer, right foot disorder, and left foot disorder are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's kidney stones, gastrointestinal disability (including diarrhea), and acute intermittent tension headaches have been granted service connection. The Veteran is also receiving an initial compensable rating for his migraine headaches.

The Board dismissed the issue of service connection for kidney stones. Service connection was granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic kidney disease as secondary to service-connected hypertension. The right knee increased rating claim and TDIU issue are remanded due to outstanding records.

Service connection for DM and IHD is granted based on the PACT Act, effective August 10, 2022. Service connection for CKD, peripheral neuropathies of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are also granted as secondary to service-connected DM.,The nephrolithiasis claim remains pending and will be remanded for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's kidney disease, gout, and HTN. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for kidney disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his heart conditions, which led to his death. The VA is instructed to obtain updated treatment records and provide a medical opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin disability.

The Veteran's renal cell carcinoma is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted on a direct basis. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for OSA, kidney stones, bruxism (teeth grinding), and a back disability as secondary to other conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease, finding that the Veteran's duties placed him on or near the base perimeter at Udorn RTAFB in Thailand. The COPD appeal was dismissed as withdrawn. Service connection is also granted for other conditions related to these two disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for kidney cancer due to asbestos exposure during active duty. The decision on secondary service connection for a lumbar spine disability is remanded as the provided medical opinion was inadequate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for metastatic renal cell carcinoma, finding no evidence of herbicide exposure or a relationship to service.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for chronic kidney disease stage II associated with diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction is denied, as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the old or new rating criteria. The Veteran's hypertension was also found to be non-compensable.

The Veteran's kidney disease/failure is not service-connected due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp LeJeune, as the condition is not a presumptive condition associated with such exposure. The evidence does not support a finding that his kidney disease was caused by his military service.