Kidney disease Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected. The kidney disability, diabetes mellitus, and high blood pressure are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be cirrhosis of the liver with hepatic encephalopathy, which is related to his service-connected PTSD. The appellant was recognized as the surviving spouse for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits due to her continuous cohabitation with the Veteran until his death.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for service-connected nephrolithiasis and for service connection for a sleep disorder, as secondary to service-connected conditions and obesity. The AOJ is instructed to obtain any pertinent medical records and schedule the Veteran with appropriate examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for separate compensable ratings for renal condition and/or hypertension as complications secondary to and/or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of renal cell carcinoma and a prostate disability can be adjudicated. The claims are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the disabilities and service-connected conditions, as well as exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's service connection claims for kidney disease, congestive heart failure, right lower extremity edema, left lower extremity edema, and a right knee disorder have been granted. The claim for service connection for kidney disease is denied due to lack of in-service injury or disease and no chronic symptoms after service.

The Veteran's kidney condition, associated with diabetes mellitus type I, is rated at 100 percent effective from June 28, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding in-service exposure to herbicide agents and the need for additional medical opinions on various musculoskeletal conditions, liver condition, bladder cancer, chronic kidney disease, respiratory condition, and colon condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for cause of the Veteran's death, tonsillar cancer (lymphoma), and DIC benefits due to a duty-to-assist error regarding an adequate VA etiological opinion. The remand includes obtaining a new VA opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for anemia, kidney disorder (nephrolithiasis), and basal cell carcinoma as due to exposure to toxic chemical solvents during service. The VA examiners provided opinions that these conditions are not related to service or toxic chemical exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened due to new evidence, but the claims for DM, hypertension, arthritis, bilateral eye condition, ED, and kidney disorder were all denied. Headaches were found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney disability, hypertension, back disability, and neck disability due to inadequate examinations and opinions. The cases are now pending for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives, and a new VA opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's renal cell carcinoma is related to his confirmed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's kidney disability is being remanded for further clarification of its nature and etiology, including whether it was aggravated by service or if a superimposed injury occurred. The claims for secondary conditions are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the primary claim.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia, tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, kidney failure, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disability have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic kidney disease is proximately due to his service-connected prostate cancer, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for kidney and bladder disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection. The examiner must determine if the disabilities were incurred or aggravated by in-service events, including exposure to environmental chemical agents while stationed at military bases.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including vertigo and flank pain. The Veteran's complaints of these conditions predate his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hyperaldosteronism status post left adrenalectomy had its onset during active service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions. The issues include heart disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, back disability, kidney disability, urinary disability, right leg muscle disability, esophageal/gastrointestinal disability, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right ankle scar.