Kidney disease Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected left hip disability contributed to his death, and the Board finds that this disability is a contributory cause of his death.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities was 90 percent on February 3, 2011, and he has at least one disability rated higher than 40 percent. The criteria for a TDIU are met due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be sudden cardiac death caused by atherosclerotic heart disease. The service-connected back disability is not considered the principal or contributory cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic kidney condition is related to his exposure to insecticide during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the cause of death (heart failure) was not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, renal cell carcinoma and partial nephrectomy of left kidney, coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and erectile dysfunction, significantly impair his ability to work. The Board finds that these disabilities preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, hypertension, rash of the face and scalp, erectile dysfunction, renal insufficiency, and sinus disorder are denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship to his active service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's adrenal gland failure is caused by his service-connected regional enteritis (Crohn's disease) and prednisone use.

The Board has denied service connection for a kidney disability, right foot disability (including plantar wart), and heart disability.,The Veteran's current complaints do not meet the criteria for service connection in these cases.

The Veteran's renal cell carcinoma status post right radical nephrectomy is related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran developed additional disabilities of congestive heart failure, non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, and Stage III chronic kidney disease after his December 2008 VA hospitalization for left inner thigh cellulitis/infection. The Board found that these conditions were not caused by the VA treatment provided during this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney disability, costochondritis, and coronary artery disease (CAD) with chest pain. The decisions were final due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected residuals of nephrectomy with partial adrenalectomy, finding that he does not have renal dysfunction associated with this disability.

The Board has granted a TDIU for the period from March 13, 2009, to December 4, 2012. The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diverticulitis, and large kidney mass are remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus, finding that his NODs were untimely and that he did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of exposure to herbicides during active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's rectal cancer and renal cancer are not related to his active service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims were denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's non-functioning left kidney and chronic kidney disease are related to his military service, specifically hypertension which had its onset during service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of chronic kidney disease was denied as the earliest date entitlement arose is January 21, 2011. The RO granted service connection and assigned a 60 percent rating for chronic kidney disease secondary to use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for his back pain.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the VA examiner regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected kidney disorder and diabetes mellitus. The issue of increased rating for diabetes mellitus remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination.