Kidney disease decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. The issues of initial compensable rating for hearing loss, service connection for tinnitus, service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, service connection for blindness in both eyes, and service connection for memory loss are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal in September 2021.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of kidney stones, colitis, and hypertension for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development regarding potential chemical exposures at Fort McClellan and Fort Me1973. The claims are related as they all involve exposure to chemicals or toxins, including PCBs.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left knee disability and heart disabilities. However, these claims are still pending as further medical examination is needed to determine if there is a relationship between the current diagnoses and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his education, training, and work experience.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional VA medical records from prior to 2005. The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic kidney disease and anemia, both claimed as secondary to malaria, are being reviewed again.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to an outstanding unadjudicated claim for hypertension, which is now eligible for service connection as due to the Veteran's conceded herbicide exposure. The intertwined claim for kidney disease will also be adjudicated.

The Veteran's kidney cancer with a right nephrectomy is being remanded for further evaluation, including consideration of albuminuria prior to November 14, 2021. The issues of increased rating and TDIU are also being remanded due to their inextricably intertwined nature.

The Board has remanded the claims for lung cancer, heart disease, and kidney disease due to asbestos exposure. The VA is required to obtain addendum medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for erectile dysfunction, renal dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of July 25, 2017 for service connection of neoplasm of the kidney. The case is remanded for further rating actions on increased ratings and scars.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for service connection for various conditions as a result of exposure to herbicide agents due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases for its prior denial of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a kidney disability, specifically addressing the etiology of any current kidney disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for kidney dysfunction, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and military service.

The Board has dismissed all claims as the Veteran withdrew his appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral kidney stones caused or contributed to his death due to sepsis and end-stage dementia.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection and reopening of service connection due to his death.