Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's hepatitis C with mild inflammation and stage 1 fibrosis has been rated at 20 percent since August 14, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms have not more than met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, bilateral heel spurs, bilateral knee disability, left foot disability, and bilateral shoulder disability as the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver was not incurred or aggravated by service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board found no evidence linking his current condition to any in-service event.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 20 percent effective June 24, 2015. The appeal is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

For the period October 8, 2010 to September 9, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms no greater than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to depressed mood, anxiety, hypervigilance, social isolation, suspiciousness, fleeting suicidal thoughts, chronic sleep impairment, anger and irritability, mild memory loss and exaggerated startle response. For the period beginning September 10, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms no greater than occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to the symptoms listed above, plus symptoms no greater than suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, anger and impaired impulse control, occasional neglect of personal appearance, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.,For the period October 8, 2010 to September 9, 2011, the Veteran's hepatitis C has been manifested by symptoms no greater than daily fatigue and malaise, arthralgia, anorexia and right upper quadrant pain, but without a requirement for continuous medication, incapacitating episodes, weight loss and hepatomegaly.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus and service connection for hepatitis C, right ear condition other than hearing loss, and bilateral hearing loss. The claim of service connection for PTSD was granted.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and Hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's current conditions do not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.,For COPD, the Board determined there was no in-service diagnosis or exposure to asbestos. For Hepatitis C, the most common risk factor identified was post-service injection drug use.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hepatitis C was incurred in service. The issue of service connection for a foot disability, to include bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Board has remanded several issues including reopening a claim for hepatitis C, service connection for hepatitis A and B, an increased rating for PTSD, and special monthly compensation for the aid and attendance of the Veteran's spouse.

The Board has granted service connection for fine tremors, finding that the Veteran's condition is related to his active service. The claim of viral hepatitis was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew it prior to a decision.,Service connection for fine tremors is established based on evidence showing the condition began in service and continued thereafter.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues and the need for a Travel Board hearing. The specific conditions of prostate cancer, bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, and bilateral glaucoma are still under consideration.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for hepatitis C was withdrawn during his April 2015 Board hearing. The case is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records and assist the Veteran in obtaining private treatment records, and to schedule a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling prior to October 19, 2012 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. The claim for TDIU prior to October 19, 2012 remains pending as part of his PTSD claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for malaria and hepatitis, as well as his claim for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus. The PTSD rating was also denied, with a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss not granted.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and hepatitis C were not found to warrant higher ratings, and his TDIU claim was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hepatitis C disability was not incurred in or caused by active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis and genetic hemochromatosis caused his chronic liver disease, which resulted in a liver transplant. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met.