Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred or aggravated by his military service, and the Board finds that it is less likely than not related to any in-service exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatomegaly with hepatitis C and cirrhosis is currently rated at 10 percent, effective from November 2001. The rating has been granted for the presence of intermittent fatigue, malaise, and anorexia due to the hepatitis infection.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was initially evaluated as noncompensable prior to September 16, 2010. From September 16, 2010, to January 9, 2013, the evaluation was increased to 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to provide addendum opinions from the July 2013 VA examiners regarding hypertension and PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service loud noise exposure. Service connection for hepatitis C is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from October 23rd to the 24th of 2004 are covered under VA policy and will be reimbursed as they were rendered in a medical emergency related to his service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, hypertension, and a dental disability. The Veteran's claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis C.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his substance abuse, which in turn led to cirrhosis of the liver and ultimately caused his death from hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C in August 2009. The evidence received since then does not provide new and material information to support his claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hepatitis C and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded to obtain additional evidence, including SSA records and VA examination results.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, heart disorder, and shrapnel wound of the abdomen were denied. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for complications from hernia surgery was also denied.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 60 percent effective January 30, 2012. The rating is based on daily fatigue, malaise, anorexia with hepatomegaly and weight loss.

The case is remanded for the following actions: 1) Obtain all pertinent records; 2) Provide an addendum from the March 2011 VA examiner regarding the Veteran's contention that the severity of his disorder at the time of initial diagnosis indicates it began during service, and consider the article submitted by the Veteran in June 2012. The claims for hepatitis C, liver disorders, micronutrient deficiency, osteoporosis, and ascites are remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C and anemia were not incurred in or related to his military service, as there was no evidence of such conditions during service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for type 2 diabetes and service connection for hepatitis C were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and development, including obtaining SSA records, private treatment records, and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of chloracne, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, hepatitis C, a skin disorder (including a rash and benign tumors of the face and back), or a right knee disorder during his military service. The exposure basis was presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, right ankle scars, capsulitis of the right ankle, low back strain and hepatitis C, do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to their combined effect.

The Board has decided the case needs further examination and review, including a new opinion on hepatitis C service connection. The right ankle disorder issue is held in abeyance until the hepatitis C issue is resolved.