The Veteran's chronic kidney disease (CKD) is at least as likely as not caused by his active duty service, specifically exposure to aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). The Board finds the evidence in relative equipoise regarding this claim and grants it.
The deciding factor: The VA medical opinions provided significant probative weight, with one indicating that the Veteran's CKD is at least as likely as not caused by his exposure to PFAS while in service, including AFFF exposure. These opinions are considered more credible than the VA examiner's opinion which was deemed inadequate for decision making purposes.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 10, 2026
- Citation
- A26021399
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 A26021399.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new evidence has been received to reconsider the claims for service connection for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic kidney disease (CKD) with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is denied as the earliest effective date possible is August 2, 2024. The PACT Act did not establish CKD as a presumptive disease relating to herbicide agent exposure and MGUS was diagnosed after the liberalizing law.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is granted with an effective date of September 28, 2023. The effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) based on permanent and total disability status is also set to this date.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of chronic kidney disease, and the Board dismissed the claim.
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