Kidney disease decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disorder are being remanded due to a lack of VA examinations related to these conditions. The Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to asbestos and other toxic chemicals during his service aboard USS Forrestal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied, while his claim for kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) was granted due to presumptive service connection under the PACT Act. The issue of service connection for kidney cancer other than under presumptive provisions is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, headaches, hypertension, sleep apnea, and psychiatric disorders, were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of March 10, 2023 for service connection of hypertensive renal disease was granted. The claim for a compensable rating for hypertension is remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, Parkinson's disease, prostate cancer, and chronic kidney disease due to herbicide agent exposure are all granted.,Service connection is also granted for hypertension under the PACT Act.

The Board has granted service connection for TBI residuals, depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, and kidney disease. The Veteran's conditions are linked to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions that comply with previous Board directives.

The Veteran's renal cancer is granted as service-connected due to exposure at Camp Lejeune, and his cause of death from renal cancer is also granted. He is entitled to VA burial benefits based on the service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of renal cell carcinoma, including partial removal of the right kidney with hypertension, resulted in a 100 percent rating from September 16, 2023, due to persistent edema and albuminuria.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for rectal cancer and end stage renal failure secondary to his now service-connected rectal cancer. The decision is based on evidence that supports a finding of exposure to environmental hazards, including PFAS contamination at Camp Pendleton, which likely caused or aggravated the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residual disability, including renal insufficiency and gout due to Department of Veterans Affairs prescribed medication as it does not have jurisdiction over this issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his death, as well as the potential impact of in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded multiple claims for service connection due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for kidney stones has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, ischemic heart disease, prostate cancer, and renal failure due to a lack of evidence showing exposure to herbicide agents during his service aboard the USS Catskill.

The Veteran's kidney disability is granted as service connected on a direct basis due to in-service herbicide exposure. The Veteran's colon disability remains unresolved and requires further examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure and has persisted since service.,Hypercholesterolemia is not considered a disability for VA compensation purposes, thus the claim cannot be granted.,There is no current diagnosis of hemorrhoids or renal dysfunction. The Veteran's complaints are deemed subjective and self-reported without objective evidence supporting these conditions.,The Veteran has bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and nephrolithiasis which were diagnosed post-service but not related to service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded as the etiology of the condition remains unclear.,Service connection for cervical spine disability (degenerative arthritis) is remanded due to insufficient evidence linking the current condition to service.,Service connection for nephrolithiasis is remanded as there are no definitive diagnoses prior to the Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions on sleep disorders and secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for sinusitis. The issues of service connection for hepatitis C and kidney stones are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's renal calculi and urinary tract condition are being remanded for further examination and opinion. The rating for renal calculi prior to December 30, 2015 is denied, while a higher rating after that date is also denied.