Hypertension And CKD

[Hardtyme]

I was diagnosed with hypertension before I separated form the military and over the years I've developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) with eGFR of 54 sometimes int he 40's.  And, I am wanting to get this CKD or renal insufficiency service-connected.  I'm 10% on the hypertension already but don't know what the final outcome will be whether they'll combine the disabilities or rate each separate.

So, I am wondering if I need a nexus letter  from a physician or will the VA accept the doctor's notes from a nephrologist that says Diagnosis "Hypertensive chronic kidney disease with stage 2 through stage 4 chronic kidney disease, or unspecified chronic kidney disease.  All the VA doctor's notes have the lab  eGFR's at or near what the Nephrologist's office obtained.  So do I need a Nexus letter?  i guess it would help but sometimes doctors just don't want to prepare a letter.

[Hardtyme]

I received a phone call from QTC this morning setting me up for an exam for the CKD/HTN.  I thought that since the VA did lab work on the CKD that that would suffice as well as my Nephrologist but off to the QTC I go.  I'm not sure what they'll do except take some blood work, maybe a few questions from the examiner..  An ideas as to how I may prepare?

[Hardtyme]

I attended the QTC exam, nice MD, polite and professional.  He agreed that the HTN is responsible for the CKD.  We'll see what happens.

[Hardtyme]

Checking the Ebenefits site, I find this:  

Preparation for notification

Attention: Development Letter SentDevelopment Letter Sent

So it's apparently int he mail and should have some word this coming week.

[broncovet]

A development letter is not the same as a decision.  

[Hardtyme]

May I ask what a Development Letter is please?

Never mind, I researched it myself.

Edited October 21, 2018 by Hardtyme

[Hardtyme]

I took a look at Ebenefits this evening and found that my case was closed and that I was awarded 30% for Renal Insufficiency S/C based on the lab reports I sent the RO and Doctors notes.  They did accept both and as aforementioned, the case is now closed.  Packet/envelope to follow.