Kidney disease decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection on the merits is remanded due to new evidence showing chronic back pain since discharge. Other claims are also remanded for VA examinations and opinions regarding potential service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is related to in-service noise exposure. Her rheumatoid arthritis and chronic kidney disease were denied as there was no evidence of in-service occurrence or herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a kidney disorder, finding that his current condition is not causally related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about the adequacy of a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected kidney cancer metastasized to his pancreas, leading to his death. The examiner was directed to review specific documents and literature provided by the Appellant.

The Board denied a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's kidney stones are rated at 30 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7508.,The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating as forward flexion was to 65 degrees with no favorable ankylosis.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy in the sciatic nerve is rated at 10 percent, and right lower extremity radiculopathy in the sciatic nerve is also rated at 10 percent. Both are currently rated as they should be based on the current findings.,Beginning August 7, 2017, left lower extremity radiculopathy in the femoral nerve was granted a separate 10 percent rating and right lower extremity radiculopathy in the femoral nerve was also granted a separate 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's hypertension, end-stage kidney disease, PTSD, and diabetes mellitus, type II have been granted service connection. The appeal for a higher evaluation of atrial fibrillation was denied.

The Board has granted an initial compensable rating of 10 percent for service-connected hypertension, effective July 18, 2013. Service connection for chronic kidney disease as secondary to hypertension is also granted. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, type II, chronic kidney disease, and coronary artery disease due to incomplete verification of in-service stressors and missing medical records.

The Veteran's stage II chronic kidney disease is granted as secondary to service-connected hypertension. The Veteran's nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is remanded for further analysis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection of residuals of in-service right kidney removal should be remanded due to a change in law and need for additional medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's kidney condition is related to his active service, particularly including exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has remanded the cases of kidney (renal) cancer and breast cancer for further development to verify service dates and provide a medical opinion regarding the relationship between these conditions and service, including exposure to asbestos, radiofrequency radiation, and other chemicals.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral eye condition, neck disability, renal/urinary condition, peptic ulcer, right shoulder condition, headaches, right middle finger injury/deformity, short extremity/right leg condition, vertigo, and sinus problems. The evidence does not establish a current disability or show an increase in severity of any pre-existing conditions noted upon entry into service.,The Veteran's claims for these conditions are denied as the medical evidence does not support the presence of diagnosed disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a kidney disorder and a bladder disorder, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Veteran's kidney disorder was not found to be due to his military service, while his bladder disorder was attributed to his non-service-connected neurogenic bladder condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease (recharacterized to a heart disability) has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection for hypertension is granted based on the PACT Act presumption of exposure to herbicide agents during Vietnam service.,Service connection for chronic kidney disease secondary to diabetes mellitus is granted.,The Board finds that additional development is needed regarding whether service connection for hypertension and a heart disability are warranted on a facts-found basis.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as moot because he is already receiving a 100% schedular evaluation for his ischemic heart disease. The SMC claim is granted effective from August 22, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including kidney disability, heart disability, liver disability, hypertension, thyroid disability, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy, all related to exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's service in Vietnam was not confirmed, and there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, a heart disability, kidney disease, and a bilateral eye disability due to inadequate VA opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left eye disability and kidney condition due to inadequate examination, lack of VA treatment records, and need for further medical opinions regarding service connection.