Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2014

The Veteran seeks service connection for Hepatitis C. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated treatment records and to provide the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his Hepatitis C is causally or etiologically related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran had Hepatitis C during service and continues to have it, establishing service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver have not met the criteria for a compensable rating prior to January 6, 2014. The Board finds that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the current evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current liver disorder was aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus disability. The issue will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for epilepsy. The hepatitis claim is remanded as the RO did not issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) and the Veteran needs to file a Substantive Appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for hepatitis C and the grant of service connection for hepatitis C with an effective date prior to August 6, 2009, were both denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, including secondary to his service-connected Hepatitis C, has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination, as well as further consideration of her claims.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hepatitis C and liver cancer, which he claims are related to his military service. The case has been remanded due to insufficient medical evidence to decide the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death from hepatic cancer due to, or as consequence of, diabetes mellitus and cirrhosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C, bilateral Dupuytren's contracture, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all related to his service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of SSA records and for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and porphyria cutanea tarda, with the latter being secondary to hepatitis C. The decision is based on evidence that supports a finding of current disability and a causal relationship between the conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not attributable to his period of active military service.

The Veteran's spouse is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her advanced liver disease, which has led to a decline in physical stamina and inability to meet daily living needs. The Board finds that the evidence supports this conclusion.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and addressing whether the Veteran's death was related to service-connected conditions or other factors.

The Veteran is granted a 40 percent rating for hepatitis C, effective April 29, 2002. The case of the initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is REMANDED.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis, and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as her claimed conditions are not shown to be related to her active duty or National Guard service.