Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records from the Birmingham VAMC and addressing the duty to assist. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on all applicable laws and regulations.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for residuals of TBI, service connection for PTSD, and service connection for hepatitis C were denied. The Veteran was not granted any benefits.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for Hepatitis C remains pending as VA will obtain additional medical opinions before making a decision.

The Board has found that the Veteran's diagnosed cirrhosis of the liver is etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed residuals of pneumonia and hepatic cirrhosis.

The Veteran's hepatitis C has been rated at 10 percent disabling since October 23, 2000. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a connection between the Veteran's hepatitis C and his military service, thus denying the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B due to a lack of a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated noncompensable prior to September 19, 2011, and 20 percent since that date. The appeal has been denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) of the Board. The RO must ask the Veteran to clarify his preferred type of hearing and notify him of the date, time, and location if he chooses one.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, low back disability, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus (DM II). The appeals were decided on a direct basis as there was no indication of any presumptive conditions or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's death was caused by hepatitis C, which is service-connected. The appellant is granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and payment of service-connected burial benefits.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to consider all potential risk factors for the Veteran's hepatitis C, including in-service exposure and post-service drug use. The case is being remanded for an examination and opinion.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for hepatitis C. Service connection is granted for coronary artery disease (CAD). The issues of service connection for neurological, psychiatric, and endocrine conditions are withdrawn from appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical opinions regarding the cause of death. The burial benefits claim is inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional records and further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance for his spouse was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the etiology of his hepatitis C, specifically whether it is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and alcohol consumption.

The Veteran's claims for respiratory disability, myasthenia gravis, and primary biliary cirrhosis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.