Kidney disease Board decisions

The Veteran's kidney cancer, diagnosed after service and presumed to be related to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune, is granted as service connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of herbicide exposure and a VA examination.

The Veteran's kidney and left hip disorders (other than arthritis) are not presumed to be related to exposure to contaminants in the water supply at Camp LeJeune. The Veteran's ulcerative colitis is not shown to be due to service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for headaches due to undiagnosed illness and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating or entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for renal cell carcinoma, including its residuals, is granted due to presumed exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's kidney disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if it was caused or worsened by his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 60 percent rating for renal insufficiency was denied as the earliest factually ascertainable date showing a definite decrease in kidney function was July 22, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was denied because the service-connected condition that required regular aid and attendance (coronary artery disease) was not granted until October 26, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability caused or materially contributed to his death due to chronic renal failure and osteoporosis.

The Veteran's basic eligibility for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at Verde Valley Medical Center (VVMC) in Cottonwood, Arizona on December 17, 2012 is granted based on the criteria outlined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's eye disorder, elbow disorder, shoulder disorder, bilateral foot disorder, kidney stones, sleep disorder, and skin disorders are not service-connected. The Veteran's vision problems during service were corrected with glasses/contact lenses.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to a compensable disability rating for otitis media and service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, sleep apnea, ischemic heart disease, GERD, erectile dysfunction, renal failure, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and TDIU. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, as well as his renal disorder. The Board found no evidence of such conditions in service or due to service.,Service connection was also denied for tinea pedis and cruris, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to outstanding records and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for kidney stones and a back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and authorization to release medical records related to a planned kidney removal surgery. A VA oncologist or urologist will provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's renal/adrenal cancer is at least as likely as not related to service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine his current employment status and any accommodations provided by his employer.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective dates have been decided. The grant of CAD, TDIU, and DEA benefits are upheld with the effective dates set at November 9, 1999. However, the reduction in rating for left lower extremity neuropathy is found to be proper.

The Board dismissed the motion for revision of a decision based on CUE due to insufficient allegations and failure to comply with requirements.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and clarification of his claims, including a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his tinnitus and kidney disorder.