Kidney disease Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral kidney disorder and a urination disorder have been denied. The decision is based on the absence of diagnosed conditions in his service records and post-service medical history.

The Veteran's kidney disorder was not found to be service-connected. The Board determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for TDIU.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's service connection claims for diphtheria, kidney infection, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, sleep disorder), diabetes mellitus, macular degeneration, bilateral knee disorder, and hypertension. However, the criteria for reopening these claims have not all been met.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his kidney disability have been denied by the RO.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for hypertension and chronic renal insufficiency, service connection for nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), and hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records review.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and for special monthly compensation due to need for regular aid and attendance, finding that there was no evidence linking the conditions from which the Veteran died to his period of service.

The Board has determined that there is no relationship between the Veteran's claimed conditions and his military service, thus denying all of his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from March 31, 2008 until April 1, 2008 were denied as the condition had stabilized and transfer to a VA facility was possible.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of hepatitis. However, after reviewing all available evidence, including VA treatment records, private medical records, and the Veteran's statements, the Board finds that none of the conditions claimed are related to active service or can be presumed due to exposure to certain hazards. Therefore, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been denied.

The Board determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and therefore denied claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's condition deteriorated significantly after August 9, 2007, and VA facilities were not feasibly available for transfer. The medical care provided from August 10 to August 29 was deemed unnecessary due to the deterioration.

The Board has granted service connection for renal insufficiency as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for kidney and liver disorders as due to an undiagnosed illness of the kidney and liver, and for asthma. The Veteran's elevated liver enzymes and creatinine levels are considered a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness, while his current diagnosis of asthma is also attributed to this same condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for hypertension and residuals of a genitourinary infection. The claim for service connection for end-stage renal disease was not addressed as it is considered separately.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current diabetes or end stage renal disease, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. The appeal was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney stones and stomach ulcers/gastritis, finding that he did not have these conditions during or within one year after his military service. The evidence showed diagnoses of gallstones rather than kidney stones and no in-service diagnosis of kidney stones.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death was not related to any service-connected disability, and denied the claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death, concluding that there was no evidence showing that the Veteran had COPD or renal disease during service and that his service-connected right knee disability did not contribute to his death.

The Veteran's cardiac valvular disease, manifested by tricuspid regurgitation, is found to be secondary to her service-connected hypertension. Service connection for bilateral knee disorders and diverticulitis with pelvic adhesions are granted.