Kidney disease decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including kidney stones, tinnitus, high frequency bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral cataracts, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for the period of August 30, 2022, to January 24, 2023.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he is not in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's service-connected parasomnia contributed to his development of myocardial infarction, which ultimately led to his death. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's kidney cancer with genitourinary residuals is granted as service connected due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's kidney disease manifested during his service and is not related to exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's current condition is considered direct service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need to verify in-service stressors and determine if the Veteran served in Vietnam or other locations where herbicide exposure is presumed.

The Veteran's service-connected kidney disease has been granted, but the Board is remanding to determine if he requires aid and attendance due to his disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of pituitary adenoma, post-resection, including loss of vision in the right eye, central hypogonadism, BPH, erectile dysfunction and central adrenal insufficiency, finding that his condition is at least as likely as not related to active-duty service due to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypothyroidism and a kidney condition. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and evidence of record are insufficient to make a determination on the Veteran's claims for service connection. The Board is therefore remanding these issues for further development.

The Veteran's kidney cysts are granted service connection, but his claims for kidney stones and kidney disease as well as diabetes mellitus are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence being added to the file after the last decision. The case will be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for review and readjudication.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) due to being housebound was denied because he does not meet the criteria for SMC Housebound, as his disabilities do not satisfy the requirements of a single 100% service-connected disability and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for renal cell carcinoma, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his active duty or any presumptive exposure to herbicides. The Board also found that secondary service connection was not warranted as the Veteran's diabetes did not cause or aggravate his renal cell carcinoma.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various lung, kidney, and hip conditions. The appeal is also remanded to determine if sleep apnea is related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he and his representative have withdrawn the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for prostate hypertrophy, gastrointestinal disorder, kidney stones, skin disorders, pseudogout, anemia, osteoarthritis, lumbar spine disorder, RLE sciatica, LLE sciatica, and erectile dysfunction have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals. Service connection has been granted for coronary artery disease and hypertension on a presumptive basis due to exposure in Guam or its territorial waters from January 9, 1962, through July 31, 1980.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), kidney condition, bilateral hip condition, thyroid condition, and gastrointestinal condition are all granted. The claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal condition is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for hypertension, diabetes, and kidney condition due to a lack of examination and etiology opinions. The case is sent back for further development including obtaining treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination and medical opinions.