Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Hepatitis C may be related to his service, but additional evidence is needed to clarify this issue. The VA will need to obtain records from Yale Community Hospital and other relevant treatment providers for a definitive opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's current Hepatitis C.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent her from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that she is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for hepatitis B and C with liver complications was denied as there is no medical evidence of record dated earlier than July 9, 2010, which demonstrates that the Veteran would be entitled to a 100% disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma as secondary to hepatitis C, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, private treatment records, and another VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for hepatitis C, thus denying the appeal.

The Veteran's left hand disability was not incurred during service and is not related to his active service. The Veteran's hepatitis C has resulted in intermittent fatigue, malaise, or anorexia for at least one week but less than two weeks over the past year, warranting a 10% disability rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of this claim due to a lack of sufficient competent medical evidence to decide the claim, and remands the case for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of frostbite to the face and gums, a dental disorder (teeth number 18 and 19 extracted), an inguinal hernia, Hepatitis C, a gastrointestinal disorder claimed as acid reflux, or intestinal polyps due to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and Hepatitis C, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol dependence. Service connection for a left knee disability was denied due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed hepatitis C is related to the in-service tattoos, and the Board finds that service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C was denied as there is no evidence that the condition resulted from VA care, and the Board found other risk factors for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and hepatitis C, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, were denied. The Board found that there is no current evidence of hepatitis C or a respiratory disorder. Regarding the hearing loss claim, the most recent VA audiological examination was from May 2011 and is not recent enough for rating purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing supplemental medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hepatitis C and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and thus denied all of his claims for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C and found that new evidence supports a reopening, but does not establish service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for dysthymic disorder, hepatitis C, and parvovirus. The effective date for the grant of service connection is set at May 16, 2007.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder was incurred in service and the Board finds that he is entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's death occurred, and the appellant is seeking to substitute for him in his pending claims of increased evaluation for hepatitis C and TDIU. The appeal is being remanded to determine if the appellant can be substituted.