Kidney disease decisions — 2024

The Veteran's initial disability rating for chronic renal disease was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for history of kidney stones, voiding dysfunction (bladder obstruction), edema fluid in legs, and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence establishing a direct relationship between these conditions and active service. The Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents is not relevant as none of the claimed disabilities are associated with such presumptive diseases.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses for hernia, testicular disorder (epididymitis), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or chronic kidney disease. The issues of service connection for these conditions are being remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertensive nephrosclerosis was reopened and granted on a secondary basis due to his service-connected schizophrenia and PTSD. The Board found that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the hypertension is caused by or aggravated by these conditions.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the March 2023 remand directives and an additional remand is necessary to obtain an adequate examination and opinion as to the nature and etiology of the Veteran's currently diagnosed kidney disorders other than pyelonephritis.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for various peripheral neuropathy conditions and a kidney condition as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for left achilles tendonitis and service connection for end stage renal failure due to new evidence not previously considered by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient information and evidence, including a need for VA examinations and opinions regarding exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including VA examinations and medical opinions regarding his service-connected conditions and any potential links to his current disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and ratings related to various conditions has been dismissed. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right knee, left knee, and right foot disabilities have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations. The issues include left foot, right foot, back, kidney disease, gastroesophageal and/or gastrointestinal disorder (GERD), gynecological condition, acquired psychiatric disability, anemia, sleep apnea, thyroid disorder, respiratory disorder, hypertension, bone disorder, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's exposure to toxins at Fort McClellan is also under review.

The Veteran's kidney condition may be related to his service, specifically exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. However, a VA examination is needed to confirm this.,The Veteran's left middle finger fracture residuals are likely not related to his service due to the lack of contemporaneous medical records.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's hyperlipidemia is not service-connected as it does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations. For the other conditions, the Board found that additional evidence and clarification are needed to determine their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bladder and/or renal neoplasms and cystic kidney disease, as these conditions are claimed to be secondary to service-connected Crohn's disease. The decision is pending further development.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder other than the service-connected IBS, kidney stones and renal insufficiency, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorder), migraine headaches, heart disorder, bilateral knee disorder, hypertension, DVT, glaucoma, cholesterol, and fibromyalgia are all remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's service connection claims will be remanded to determine the etiology of his gastrointestinal disorders, kidney stones and renal insufficiency, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorder), migraine headaches, heart disorder, bilateral knee disorder, hypertension, DVT, glaucoma, cholesterol, and fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's appeals for initial ratings on GERD and a right shoulder disability, as well as the denials of service connection for alopecia, bronchitis, left elbow disability, right elbow disability, lentigo, sinusitis, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) have been dismissed due to his withdrawal during a hearing before the undersigned. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) has been granted.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and renal dysfunction, and peripheral vascular disease. The decision also remanded the claim for male reproductive disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and renal disease due to inadequate medical opinions. The VA is instructed to obtain new evidence and provide additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the appellant's left kidney disorder pre-existed service and was aggravated by in-service toxic exposure. The VA is instructed to obtain an adequate medical opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, hypertension, arthritis and gout of both feet, left ventricular hypertrophy and mild mitral regurgitation, renal kidney condition, and diabetes mellitus type II are remanded due to the need for updated examinations and treatment records.