Kidney disease decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as the appellant withdrew their request for a hearing and to continue with the appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for kidney condition and malignant melanoma of the skin due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran's in-service exposure to Agent Orange is a key factor in both cases.

The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for renal cell carcinoma is remanded due to the lack of a reasoned medical explanation connecting the facts of his case.

Your appeal for service connection for renal cell carcinoma with partial nephrectomy has been dismissed because the issue was already validly appealed in a previous docket number.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease are not secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.,The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence addressing continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic kidney disease, effective January 30, 1998. The decision is based on newly associated service treatment records that were not previously considered in the original denial of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for heart attack, kidney stones, polycythemia vera, diabetes mellitus type 2, and psoriasis is remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's disability rating for his service-connected left renal cell carcinoma was reduced from 100 percent to 0 percent, but the Board has restored the 100 percent rating effective August 1, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease are being remanded due to the need for VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the relationship between chronic kidney disease and service. The Veteran's claim will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for heart disease, hypertension, kidney disease, and low back pain due to potential errors in duty to assist. The AOJ is required to verify the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicide agents and obtain private treatment records.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) is granted. The appeal of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is dismissed, as the claim was previously adjudicated and granted in a prior decision. The left knee Baker's cyst issue remains pending and requires further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for renal cell carcinoma with partial nephrectomy is remanded due to a lack of development regarding the relationship between his hypertension and the cancer. The AOJ must obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate physician to determine if the Veteran's hypertension caused or aggravated his renal cell carcinoma.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, with a rating of 10 percent.,The Veteran's back disability remains at a 40 percent rating. The Board finds the evidence does not support an increase to higher ratings.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the femoral nerve in both lower extremities are each granted initial 20 percent ratings.,Service connection for GAD, bilateral hearing loss, and chronic kidney pain is remanded.,A compensable disability rating (greater than 0 percent) for chronic kidney infections is also remanded.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and enhancing mass on the kidney are granted service connection due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The claim for cysts on the liver is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that new evidence has been received to reconsider the claims for service connection for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including Parkinson's disease and related disabilities of the upper and lower extremities, have caused loss of use in both hands and need for aid and attendance due to his lower extremity disability, kidney disease, and neurogenic bladder. The Board has granted SMC based on these findings.