Kidney disease Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's kidney disorders are not related to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicides or napalm. The evidence does not establish a direct link between his in-service exposures and his current conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic renal disease and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing, and no other decisions have been made regarding service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 is being remanded due to the lack of complete medical records from his treatment in 1992.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected kidney disorder was denied as the evidence did not show persistent edema and albuminuria with BUN 40 to 80 mg%, creatinine 4 to 8mg%, generalized poor health, regular dialysis, markedly decreased function, or preclusions of more than sedentary activity.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease is presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents. His kidney disability and renal calculi are not presumptively linked to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multicystic clear cell renal carcinoma is the result of in-service Agent Orange exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, metastatic renal cell carcinoma, was etiologically related to herbicide exposure during active service (Agent Orange). As a result, the appeal for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, necessitating special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer have been manifested by symptomatology more nearly approximating erectile dysfunction and hesitancy on urination, but not to a degree warranting an increased rating beyond 20 percent.

The Veteran died from renal cancer with metastases. The Board found that his diabetes did not contribute substantially to his death and was not service-connected, thus denying the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease is rated at 60 percent effective May 22, 2014. Prior to that date, the claim for an increased rating was granted but not yet assigned a specific percentage.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, prostate cancer, a neck condition, renal and liver conditions, and skin disability of the feet, were denied as there is no evidence to support that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary in order to determine the Veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation and herbicides, as well as whether he is entitled to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The claims will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran died in April 2006 due to multiple organ failures, including sepsis. His service-connected low back disability was not listed as a primary cause of death or a substantial contributing factor. As he did not meet the criteria for receiving DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, his surviving spouse's claim is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension with left hydronephrosis was granted a 100 percent evaluation for the period prior to August 13, 2013.,For the period on and after August 13, 2013, both chronic kidney disease and hypertension were rated at their maximum of 80 percent and 10 percent respectively.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in permanent and total disability that is due to the loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities so as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. As such, he is entitled to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is denied because he has Medicare coverage, which makes him ineligible under the law.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, hypertension, heart disease, dyslexia, kidney disability, respiratory disability, and bilateral shoulder disability has been granted. He is also awarded special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the prior remand instructions and to obtain a comprehensive medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claims.