The Board has determined that the Veteran's UJO is a congenital defect and not related to service. The Board also finds that the pre-existing hydronephrosis did not undergo permanent worsening during service, and thus was not aggravated by service. However, the Board notes that there are conflicting opinions regarding whether the Veteran's heart disorder (hypertension) existed prior to service or developed post-service.
The deciding factor: The June 2013 VA examiner concluded that UJO is a congenital defect with no in-service aggravation and pre-existed service. The hydronephrosis was found to be related to the UJO, which also preexisted service. However, there are conflicting opinions regarding whether the Veteran's heart disorder existed prior to service or developed post-service.
- Claimed conditions
- Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction (UJO), Hydronephrosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 15, 2016
- Citation
- 1610317
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1610317.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hydronephrosis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his service-connected cystic kidney disease is remanded. The issue of compensation for voiding dysfunction, hypertension, stricture, and hydronephrosis as secondary to his service-connected cystic kidney disease is also under the Board's jurisdiction.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's bladder cancer residuals with hydronephrosis are rated at 60 percent effective August 28, 2018.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's right kidney disability, including whether it is related to service or his service-connected schizophrenia.
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