Kidney disease Board decisions

The veteran seeks service connection for a kidney stone disorder, which he claims was caused by exposure to radiation during military service. The claim is being remanded due to the unavailability of his service medical records and the need for a VA examination to determine if any current kidney disorder is related to his period of military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected bronchiectasis, but rather by a combination of multiple underlying conditions including COPD and renal failure. The VA medical opinion concluded that there is no evidence to suggest that the service-connected bronchiectasis contributed to the veteran's death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peptic ulcer disease and kidney stones as there is no evidence of current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have service connection for any of his claimed conditions, including PTSD and cancers, due to lack of evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and his military service. The claim is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, and thus the claim remains denied.

The Board found that the RO decisions denying DIC benefits were not subject to a claim of CUE, and thus remain final. The effective date for DIC benefits is determined based on when the reopened claim was received.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee, Achilles tendon, hip, kidney stones, and left ring finger conditions are likely due to injuries sustained during his active service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board has reduced the veteran's rating for his kidney transplant from 100 percent to 60 percent, finding that he no longer meets the criteria for a higher rating due to persistent edema and albuminuria with BUN levels between 40-80 mg% or creatine levels between 4-8 mg%. The veteran's condition has improved since his kidney transplant in July 2003.

The case is being remanded for additional development due to inadequate VCAA notice, including a need to provide proper notice regarding service connection for the cause of death and accrued benefits.

The Board found that the veteran's kidney transplant and squamous cell carcinoma are not related to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange, asbestos, or radiation. The claim for residuals of a right kidney transplant was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected cold injuries likely contributed to his death from COPD and end stage renal disease, resolving doubt in favor of the appellant.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for right kidney tuberculosis infection, status post nephrectomy, finding that it is related to his period of active duty training (ACDUTRA).

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions did not have a direct link to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for hypertension, renal insufficiency, dizziness, and lung disorder were denied.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings have been denied. The veteran is already service-connected for migraine headaches, and his low back disorder has a current evaluation of 20%. His left lower extremity neurological manifestations are currently rated at 20%, effective May 3, 2005. His cervical spine disorder does not meet the criteria for an increased rating. His left epididymal cyst is not service-connected.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine if he was exposed to toxic materials during service and whether his current conditions are related to such exposure.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which has been granted.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the veteran's claimed conditions and denied all claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, hypertension, and kidney stones. The claim of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for type 2 diabetes mellitus was granted with an effective date of March 12, 2004, and increased to 20 percent effective February 7, 2006. The veteran's PTSD claim remains pending.