Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2015

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for hepatitis C, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to secure additional medical opinions and service department records. The claims of service connection for various disabilities are inextricably intertwined and must be considered concurrently.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected hepatitis C was denied. The Board found that the April 2010 examination did not adequately consider the fluctuating weight-related aspect of his condition and remanded the case to provide a new examination.

The Veteran is granted a 100% rating for PTSD from July 28, 2011. He is denied a compensable rating for hepatitis C.,PTSD symptoms include persistent auditory and visual hallucinations, suicidal ideation, and impaired impulse control.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development of medical records and service personnel records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to missing records and unclear medical opinions regarding the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's death was attributed to liver failure due to sepsis and Hepatitis C/hemochromatosis cirrhosis. The appellant contends that the cause of death is related to service, specifically to exposure to herbicides during service. The VA examiner opined that it is less likely than not that the Veteran's liver disease was incurred in or caused by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of fibromyalgia and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The issue of hepatitis C was also addressed but no decision was made as it was remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and cirrhosis of the liver as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes. The claim for PTSD is reopened, but further evidence is needed before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for spinal cysts, scars of the spine, hepatitis B, and bladder cancer have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for these issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the onset and etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disability was not incurred in active duty service and is therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine the etiology of hepatitis C and a heart disability, including whether they are related to service or other conditions.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for residual scars from a lymphadenopathy is denied.,Service connection for hepatitis C is not warranted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hepatitis B and associated disabilities. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C and liver cancer is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The issues are intertwined as the Veteran asserts that his hepatitis C led to his liver cancer.

The Veteran's claims for tuberculosis, hepatitis C, sexual dysfunction, and Type II diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need to obtain in-service medical records from Fort Field Hospital in Vung Tau, South Vietnam. Additionally, private treatment records from the Wellness Center/Dr. S.W. and Carter County Health Department in Ardmore, Oklahoma are needed.