The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, as there was no communication prior to January 31, 2011, that could be construed as a formal or informal claim.

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing a continuous intent to apply for benefits since May 1997 and the absence of any claims filed before January 31, 2011.

Claimed conditions

end-stage renal kidney disease, polycystic kidney disease

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

Camp Lejeune water

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 2, 2025

Citation

A25103421

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