Kidney disease Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further development.

The veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for treatment of a left renal calculus were denied because the treatment was not for a service-connected disability or a condition associated with and aggravating a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for the veteran's polycystic kidney disease, finding that it was aggravated by his service-connected hypertension and PTSD. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied claims for service connection for the cause of death, DIC benefits, and accrued benefits.

The Board found that the veteran's right renal cell carcinoma with metastases to the lung was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and is not related to a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam, and thus may be presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents. The evidence supports a finding of service connection for renal cell carcinoma as a residual of such exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, with superimposed major depression, was incurred in active military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to lack of evidence linking the veteran's service or service-connected disabilities to his death.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now being sent back to the RO for examination and review.

The Board denied the veteran's request to waive recovery of an overpayment of $2,000 in non-service connected pension benefits due to his fault in not reporting concurrent receipt of Social Security benefits.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for kidney stones, stomach disorder, skin disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, and bilateral hand disorder. The veteran was granted service connection for PTSD as a manifestation of exhaustion during his Persian Gulf War service.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's medullary sponge kidney, finding that it is likely due to disease or injury incurred during military service and aggravated by such service. The total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's kidney disorder. The case is now being sent back for additional examination and consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic psychiatric disorder, chronic liver disorder, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disorder due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board found that the veteran's service did not contribute to his cause of death, which was listed as portal systemic encephalopathy stage IV, acute renal failure and acute respiratory failure. The Board determined there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for tuberculosis, a respiratory disorder other than tuberculosis, vertigo, and kidney disorder based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, arthritis, leg cramps, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disability. The decision is final as to the low back disability claim since new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is REMANDED to the RO for obtaining medical records, scheduling a neurological examination, vascular examination, and kidney examination. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of various conditions claimed by the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of injury to the anal sphincter with laceration of the perineum and spleen and contusion of the left kidney and pancreas with obstructive bowel syndrome warrant a 30 percent rating, but not higher.