The Veteran's spouse is not eligible for DEA benefits because the Veteran does not have a permanent and total service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's nephrotic syndrome was rated 100% disabling but improved after a kidney transplant, making it not permanently and totally disabling.
- Claimed conditions
- nephrotic syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 15, 2016
- Citation
- 1610276
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1610276.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for lupus nephritis and nephrotic syndrome to correct duty to assist errors, specifically due to an inadequate October 2021 VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's kidney condition, including nephrotic syndrome and idiopathic glomerulonephritis, finding that his condition was incurred during service or is otherwise related to active-duty service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for nephrotic syndrome and dismissed the claim for diabetes. The Veteran's nephrotic syndrome is found to be related to in-service exposure to toxic chemicals, while his diabetes was not connected to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a kidney condition, specifically nephrotic syndrome, was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board found that the pre-existing kidney disability existed before service but was aggravated during active duty. Therefore, direct service connection is granted.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.