Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for diabetes was denied, but the Board found new and material evidence to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for hepatitis C.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for cirrhosis of the liver. The Veteran contends that his exposure to carbon tetrachloride during service caused his condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since August 31, 2004.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's hepatitis C to his military service and denied the claim.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for hepatitis C and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum allowable rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for residuals of prostate cancer and hepatitis B, as well as his attempt to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for back disability. The evidence submitted since the last final decision was not sufficient to reopen the claim for service connection for back disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an addendum medical opinion and consideration of recent evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and vertigo. The claim of service connection for asthma is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C. The case is being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the hepatitis B and left ankle disability claims for further development due to incomplete medical opinions and outstanding VA records.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C, as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence showing an etiological relationship between his current diagnosis and in-service viral hepatitis or other incident of service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis A, chloracne, and soft tissue sarcoma has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD due to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his Vietnam service.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis B but granted service connection for hepatitis C. The current chronic HCV infection is not related to the in-service HBV infection.

The Veteran's death was due to end stage liver disease, which is not service-connected. His hepatitis C was also not service-connected.

The Board denied retroactive payment of DIC benefits because the appellant's mother received the benefits on her behalf, and there is no clear evidence to rebut the presumption of regularity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of any current gastrointestinal/stomach disorder and its relationship to his service-connected Hepatitis B residuals, and determining if he has cirrhosis of the liver.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete information and records, including a need for clarification on exposure to toxins while in Germany, obtaining SSA records, and updating VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicts in the Veteran's representative and for a new VA examination regarding the etiology of his hepatitis C.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional records and for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and providing the Veteran with proper VCAA notice. The issues of service connection for a bilateral knee disability and hepatitis C are also being remanded as they were not properly adjudicated on their de novo basis.