The Board has remanded two issues: one regarding a compensable rating for a kidney removal scar and the other regarding a disability rating in excess of 60 percent for neoplasm of the kidney. The Veteran's reports of pain must be adequately addressed, and private treatment records are needed.
The deciding factor: The examination findings were confusing and need clarification to determine whether the Veteran has underlying soft tissue damage or related muscle damage.
- Claimed conditions
- kidney removal scar, neoplasm of the kidney
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 8, 2021
- Citation
- 21041350
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 21041350.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection and ratings were dismissed. The appeal for bilateral recurrent ear wax impaction was dismissed, as the Veteran withdrew his claim. Appeals for a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), erectile dysfunction, residuals from neoplasm of the kidney, and hypertension were also dismissed.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for chronic kidney disease, kidney cancer status post left kidney removal, and a kidney removal scar but granted earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for these conditions.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 26, 2011 for the award of service connection for neoplasm of the kidney, nephrectomy associated with neoplasm of the kidney, and scarring associated with nephrectomy.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for various conditions, including neoplasm of the kidney and lung cancer, effective October 2, 2020, based on herbicide exposure during service in Thailand.
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.