Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need to contact him and provide a Travel Board hearing opportunity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his military service, including as due to an in-service air gun inoculation. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are REMANDED.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred during service and is less likely related to his seizure disorder. The claim for service connection for hepatitis C has been denied.

The most probative evidence of record indicates that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to service, but rather to post-service risk factors such as drug use and high-risk sexual behavior.

The Veteran's death was caused by alcoholic liver cirrhosis, which is believed to be related to his alcoholism. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding the service connection of PTSD and alcoholism.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is at least as likely as not related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's liver disorder, hearing loss, tinnitus, and insomnia are found to be related to his service. The Veteran does not have a diagnosed bilateral eye or knee disability that is related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for left knee disability has been withdrawn. The remaining issues of increased ratings for hepatitis C, sinusitis, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development of service connection claims for hepatitis C, liver disease, left knee disability, low back disability, and right shoulder disability is required.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with cirrhosis is rated at 40 percent effective July 2, 2001.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a sleep disorder has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran was diagnosed with bilateral hallux valgus in service and continues to have this condition, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to his request for a hearing, and the case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including increased ratings for various knee conditions, arthritis, and Bell's palsy. Additionally, the Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hammer toe, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, left ankle arthritis, lumbar spine disorder, asthma, and hepatitis C. The appeal is being remanded to allow for a new hearing before a different Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of hepatitis C has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for an eye condition characterized as left eye macular scar and bilateral cataracts secondary to service-connected sarcoidosis, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis did not begin during or as a result of his active duty service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's current percentage of impairment caused by his nonservice-connected disabilities, including spondylosis and any newly diagnosed conditions such as an enlarged prostate. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a liver disability, including cirrhosis with esophageal varices. The case is being remanded due to the need for further medical opinion regarding the etiology of her liver disability.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing at the Veteran's local RO and sending the hearing notice to his correct address in Birmingham, Alabama.