Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's right ankle disability, claimed as secondary to service-connected right knee disabilities, has been reopened. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for hepatitis C from September 26, 2013 to February 28, 2015 is denied.

The Veteran's hepatitis has been rated at 10 percent disabling since March 2010. The VA examiners have found no current signs or symptoms attributable to the condition, and there have not been any incapacitating episodes in the past year.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and hepatitis C, but remanded the issue of service connection for keloids on the scalp and neck due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis and an increased rating for a right ankle disability have been withdrawn. The claim of service connection for TBI has not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing and issuing a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding the effective date assigned for the grant of service connection for a fracture of the right distal tibia. The Veteran's claims are not fully resolved.

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD, leading to alcoholic cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. The Board has granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis B disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to November 1, 2016. The Veteran is immune to Hepatitis B and does not have daily fatigue, malaise, or anorexia with minor weight loss and hepatomegaly.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and Hepatitis C were denied. The claim for an increased disability rating for his low back condition was granted with an effective date of August 21, 2006.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C and bilateral ankle myofascial syndrome, including as secondary to frostbite, are pending.

The Veteran's liver disability, diagnosed as autoimmune hepatitis, and colon disability, diagnosed as PSC, IBD and ulcerative colitis, are now service-connected. The Veteran is also granted an initial rating of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss, hepatitis C, liver disease, and hernia were not found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing medical opinions regarding asbestos exposure, hepatitis B, and C. The Veteran's claims of service connection for these conditions are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver, as well as hepatitis C itself, are being remanded due to a need for additional development including obtaining medical records and an examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA opinion and the need for additional medical examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for tuberculosis and hepatitis, citing dissatisfaction with the outcome or decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C virus (HCV) was not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeals regarding service connection, increased rating for hepatitis C, and TDIU have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C had its onset in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining mental health records from the Veteran's service in Germany and providing an opinion on the etiology of his hepatitis C.