Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2014

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, kidney disorder, prostate disorder, bilateral pes planus, and hepatitis C. The claim for an initial disability rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD prior to February 14, 2002 was also denied. Additionally, the claim for total unemployability secondary to service-connected disability prior to February 15, 2013 is pending.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, the maximum available under former Diagnostic Code 5290. The claim for hepatitis B and lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for service connection for hepatitis C, and as a result, the Veteran's claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not cause him to be permanently bedridden or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including an appropriate VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected Hepatitis C and the status of his other service-connected disabilities. The matter of entitlement to a TDIU must also be addressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chemical hepatitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to the need for additional VA opinions on alternate theories of entitlement.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether it was incurred during active service. The Veteran's death benefits and dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 are also addressed.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was granted service connection based on meeting multiple risk factors during active duty. The issues of sleep apnea, PTSD rating, and right elbow disability are remanded for additional development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C (also claimed as liver problems) due to new and material evidence. However, further development is needed before the Board can address the merits of the claim.

The Veteran's nonthrombocytopenic capillary purpura and hepatitis are currently rated at the maximum allowable levels. The Board finds that neither condition warrants a higher rating based on current symptomatology.

The Veteran's increased ratings for his left knee conditions, bilateral metatarsalgia, and mechanical low back strain with degenerative lumbar spondylosis have been granted. His hepatitis has also been rated as noncompensable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to any incident during his period of active duty. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding in favor of service connection for either condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development and examination of the Veteran's hepatitis C claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Board hearing. Service connection claims for various conditions are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the cases of hepatitis C and substance abuse. The VA is required to issue a decision implementing the grant of service connection for PTSD, provide an opinion on whether substance abuse was proximately due or aggravated by PTSD, and consider the inextricably intertwined issues of hepatitis C.

The Board is remanding the case to the AOJ for further action, including providing notice of relevant regulations and seeking signed informed consent documents.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development and medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis were withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The case is being remanded due to the need to verify the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Korea.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver is being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.