Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's cirrhosis has been asymptomatic for the appeal period, and there are no symptoms attributable to his condition. As a result, he does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma was denied as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease, and the current disability does not appear to be related to his active service. The claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder and hepatitis C were also denied.

The Board denied service connection for Hepatitis C (liver disease) and residuals of pilonidal cyst, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the cause of the Veteran's death and whether it is related to his service, including exposure to herbicides. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 20 percent prior to November 10, 2008 and remains at that level since then. The combined evaluation of major depressive disorder and hepatitis C is proper. The Veteran does not meet the schedular threshold for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have tuberculosis, hepatitis C, or diabetes mellitus during the appeals period and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis B and finds no evidence to support service connection for either hepatitis B or C. The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is less likely than not incurred in or caused by air gun vaccinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The issue of service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD claim has been reopened and granted, with the condition being due to an in-service stressor supported by corroborative evidence.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is denied as there is no evidence of such a condition during service or until years after service. The Veteran's borderline personality disorder was not aggravated by a superimposed service injury.,The claim for hepatitis B has been reopened and granted, with the condition being etiologically related to service.,Service connection for a neck injury, TBI, brain aneurysm, and left ear hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during service or until years after service.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, but denied the claim as there was no current diagnosis of such condition.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain missing service treatment records from Korea and Fort Hood, which are believed to contain information relevant to the Veteran's hepatitis C claim. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to address the relationship between his hypertension and diabetes mellitus, as well as addressing any new evidence regarding this issue. The claim for service connection for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder are also inextricably intertwined with the hypertension claim.

The Board has determined that a VA medical opinion is needed to address the Veteran's claim for hepatitis C, and requests for his prison records have been made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if her current condition is related to her in-service military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis C or bilateral hearing loss disability related to his military service. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for residuals of a colonoscopy, including bone and blood disorder (including hepatitis C), bladder cancer, neo bladder, groin cancer, and bladder/prostate/kidney issues is denied as there is no evidence that the claimed conditions were caused by VA care or treatment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected disabilities, specifically his lumbar spine and right shoulder conditions. The medications used to treat these conditions are considered a contributory cause of his death.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the claims of service connection for cataracts, endometriosis, herpes simplex, allergies/respiratory disability, and D&C. The remaining issues are mixed in disposition.

The Veteran's hepatitis C claim and TDIU claim are being remanded for further development as the VA examination provided did not consider all potential risk factors, including prior service-related drug use.