Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, hepatitis C, and major depressive disorder. The claim for PTSD was reopened but still denied due to lack of a verified in-service stressor. The claim for hepatitis C was not reopened as new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim. Major depressive disorder was also denied.

The Veteran's spine disabilities, specifically degenerative joint disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine, are rated at 20 percent prior to July 9, 2009, and 40 percent beginning from that date. The Veteran also has right lower extremity radiculopathy as a neurological manifestation of his spine disability, which is separately rated at 10 percent prior to July 9, 2009, and 20 percent thereafter.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, hepatitis C, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as anxiety and depression), erectile dysfunction, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, and several types of neuropathy. The decision was based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining missing documents and VA treatment records, as well as SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if he suffers from current bilateral arm, knee, lumbar spine, hepatitis C, and skin conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for Hepatitis C, schizophrenia (application to reopen), and PTSD. The Veteran is scheduled for a hearing at the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and residuals of a right femur injury, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not manifested by intermittent fatigue, malaise, anorexia, or incapacitating episodes prior to January 11, 2013. Therefore, the claim for a compensable disability rating is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection for cause of death and burial benefits, including obtaining his complete STRs from his Reserve service.

The Board found that the Veteran's liver disorder, including cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C, was not incurred or aggravated during service. The examiner opined it is less likely than not related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking any diagnosed conditions to his active duty service.

The Veteran's death was caused by end stage cirrhosis and hepatitis B/C. The cause of his death, respiratory arrest, is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a service connection for these conditions during his lifetime.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is related to active military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of tonsillitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for infectious hepatitis (to include hepatitis C), stomach disability, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) / intestinal condition, chronic otitis, and skin condition were all denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis was also denied as new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim.,The Board found that the medical records did not support a higher rating for tonsillitis and that there was no indication of any other conditions warranting a different evaluation.

The Board has determined that hepatitis C is related to the Veteran's active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bladder disorder is found to be etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for hepatitis C was granted.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C and denied it. The PTSD issue is being remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's Hepatitis C and lung disorder are not related to his military service, thus denying both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not service connected and his herpes infection of the mouth and lips with erythema multiform does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran was granted service connection for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder (Major depressive disorder with polysubstance dependence and substance induced mood disorder), but denied service connection for a throat disability and bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sleep apnea, hepatitis, and lymphedema are not related to his military service or exposure to herbicides. As such, service connection for these conditions was denied.