Kidney disease decisions — 2023

The Veteran's kidney cancer and hypertension are now rated at 30% effective from May 11, 2022. His right foot dermatophytosis remains denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for glomerulonephritis, chronic renal disease, and IgA nephropathy was denied. The Board found that the June 2003 application was a formal claim for pension benefits only and did not reasonably raise a claim for disability compensation benefits.

The Board has denied service connection for kidney disorder, bilateral foot disorders, and tinnitus. The claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for skin infections, peripheral neuropathy, chronic kidney disease, and retinopathy are remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for renal cell carcinoma and an increased rating for PTSD due to potential exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion to determine if any of the claimed conditions were caused or aggravated by the Veteran's AML and/or treatments for AML prior to July 16, 2008.

The Veteran's hypertension is presumed due to herbicide exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted. Service connection for renal disease is also granted as it is secondary to the now-service-connected hypertension.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete VA examinations and opinions. The Veteran's hypertension is being reviewed for potential service connection, while his chronic kidney disease secondary to right shoulder disability is also under review.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disability, kidney disability, and irregular periods (menstrual problems). The VA examiner found no current diagnosed conditions.,VA examinations revealed that the Veteran does not have current diagnosed kidney disability. For the other conditions, the VA examiner provided negative nexus opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including prostate condition, kidney stones, cysts on adrenal glands, and vestibular dysfunction with vertigo, balance issues, and nausea. The remand requires additional development to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and kidney stones, finding no evidence of direct service connection or any other valid theory.

The Board has reopened the claims for PTSD and Sleep Apnea due to new evidence received. The remaining issues are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected kidney disability does not render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, thus his claim for SMC based on aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's kidney and lung cancers are currently diagnosed, but the Board is unable to determine which cancer is primary or metastatic due to conflicting medical records. The case is remanded for further clarification from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension due to herbicide agent exposure is granted. The other issues are remanded and will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected radiculopathy, right sciatic nerve, left sciatic nerve, hemorrhoids, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, kidney stones, lip numbness, and gastrointestinal disorders have been remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction due to herbicide exposure are granted. The claim for a kidney disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's death was not considered to be due to service-connected conditions, and the claim for accrued benefits was denied as no application was filed within one year of his death or VA's receipt of an intent to file a claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for acute kidney disease secondary to his service-connected CAD and for TDIU due to a lack of adequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions.