Kidney disease Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of notification for a VA examination and potential service connection based on exposure in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's appeals to reopen service connection for a stomach disorder, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and kidney disease have been granted. The cases are all being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim for service connection for a kidney disorder, including renal cysts, renal cell carcinoma, and left radical nephrectomy. The Veteran's claims for gout of the upper and lower extremities are also remanded due to their inextricability with the kidney disorder claim.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's low back disability, including rating claims and service connection for various lower extremity and hip/knee disabilities. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for renal dysfunction. Additional evidence is needed, particularly from VA providers, and a comprehensive examination is required.

The Veteran's initial rating for residuals of a fracture to the third right toe is granted at 10 percent.,Initial ratings for atypical chest pain, kidney stones, hypertension, conjunctivitis, myalgia, and myositis are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, renal artery stenosis, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (heart disease), and PTSD are denied. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are remanded. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's cause of death (perforated viscus, acute renal failure, and pulmonary edema) is not service-connected as there is no evidence showing these conditions were caused by his military service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for chronic kidney disease, bladder-related convulsions and abdominal spasms, and inability to urinate as a result of treatment at the Palo Alto VAMC due to lack of evidence of current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further examination, as well as a formal TDIU application.

The Veteran's right knee replacement, kidney disability, and diabetes mellitus have been granted increased ratings. The right knee is rated at 60 percent, the kidney disability at 80 percent, and the diabetes at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of in-service kidney stones, right elbow disability, and left ankle disability are all denied as there is no current disability found by the VA examiners.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for renal cell carcinoma and has determined that he meets the criteria for service connection based on direct evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities, including as due to herbicide exposure, and for renal failure secondary to coronary artery disease.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and rating determinations. The Veteran's claims are related to his military service and various disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a kidney disorder and psychiatric disorder due to outstanding private medical records and further VA examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for a kidney condition due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service. The lower back, right knee, and left knee conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's kidney disease and left knee disability are denied as service connection is not established.,A separate rating of 20 percent for left knee disability is granted, but a higher rating than 10 percent under the appropriate diagnostic codes remains denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and PTSD) is remanded due to potential nexus with in-service treatment records.,Service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD is also remanded as it may be related to service-connected PTSD.,Total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded as the Veteran's current disabilities do not meet the criteria.

The Veteran's claim for reopening of the PTSD claim has been granted. The claims for hypertension and nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) have also been granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. Other claims, including those related to hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, right knee disability, and brain lesions, are being remanded due to incomplete examinations or opinions.

The Veteran's neurogenic bladder and chronic kidney disease are remanded for further examination to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's service connection for renal dysfunction due to medications associated with his service-connected disabilities is granted. The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine with disc narrowing at L4-L5 is remanded.