Kidney disease decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney cyst, lung cyst, and headaches have been denied. The Board has also remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for IHD, COPD, liver cyst, hypertension, and Parkinson's disease due to potential herbicide exposure.,An initial rating in excess of 30 percent for headaches is denied.

The Veteran's myocardial infarction and kidney failure are remanded for a VA opinion to determine if they were caused by the Trivalent Afluria vaccine. The COPD claim is also remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right kidney, lumbar spine, and stomach disabilities have been granted. However, his claim for a compensable rating for the service-connected left ankle surgical scar remains denied.

The Board denied requests for earlier effective dates and ratings for PTSD, renal failure, and SMC based on housebound criteria. The issues of initial higher rating for liver transplant residuals and SMC based on aid and attendance are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, asthma, and chronic kidney disease due to exposure to ionizing radiation. The case is returned for further development including obtaining a dose estimate from the Department of Defense and conducting VA examinations to determine if there is a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for hyperkeratosis of the left foot has been denied. The claims for service connection related to kidney disorder, hematuria, and chest pain have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for adrenal tumor (also claimed as blood clot in heart) is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence since the November 2018 rating decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error in obtaining an adequate opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's kidney cancer and service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to a lack of treatment records from Willow Pain and Wellness, which may affect the Veteran's functional impairment assessment.

The Veteran's kidney disease is caused by his service-connected hypertension, and he has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors. The claims for these conditions are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral kidney disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service.,The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral eye disorder, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral foot disorder, residuals of a cold weather injury affecting the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss are REMANDED.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back condition, erectile dysfunction, and chronic kidney disease due to new evidence received since previous decisions.,Service connection is being considered based on direct evidence rather than any presumption or secondary theory.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral kidney disabilities due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations.

The Board has denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 due to the Veteran not having a service-connected disability that was continuously rated totally disabling for at least 10 years prior to his death or since discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is granted a total rating effective May 16, 2023. The Veteran's nephrolithiasis (kidney stone) is denied as there was no recurrence or residuals.

The Board denied service connection for kidney stones, gall stones, thyroid disorder, benign liver disorder, cervical disorder (claimed as cervical cancer), and ovarian cysts due to lack of evidence showing a causal link between these conditions and the Veteran's in-service exposure to chemical or environmental toxins at Fort McClellan.,Service connection was not granted because there is no persuasive medical evidence linking any of the claimed conditions to the Veteran's service-connected exposures.

The Board denied service connection for kidney stones, warts on the right middle and index fingers, and a bilateral eye condition (including blurred vision). Service connection was granted for residuals of a left-hand puncture wound.,Service connection was not established for kidney stones, warts on the right middle and index fingers, or a bilateral eye condition (including blurred vision) due to lack of current disability. The Board found no evidence of such conditions during the appeal period.

The Veteran's punctured ureter and its residuals are being remanded for a more thorough examination to determine if they were caused by VA negligence or an unforeseen circumstance, as well as whether timely diagnosis and treatment was provided.

The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is found to be secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension, which were both granted on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease are granted as service-connected on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicides during his Vietnam service. The secondary theories of service connection for atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease to now-service-connected hypertension are also granted.