Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD, dysthymic disorder, and anxiety disorder are related to his military service.,The Veteran's hepatitis B is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and exposure claims, but the VA has not located all of his VA treatment records. The case is being remanded to obtain these records.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at a 10 percent prior to July 2, 2001 and granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 30 percent for granulomatous hepatitis consistent with sarcoidosis with bilateral hilar adenopathy is denied as the evidence does not show weight loss and hepatomegaly or incapacitating episodes lasting at least four weeks in duration in a twelve-month period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of various conditions due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The effective date for service connection remains August 12, 2004.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hepatitis C is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's hepatitis is granted service connection. The left knee instability rating is restored to 20 percent, and the limitation of flexion remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for spondylosis, lumbar spine was denied. The claims for hypertension and hepatitis C are remanded.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions as they have become moot due to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound, as well as the cause of death claim due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his active service.

The Veteran's applications to reopen claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, hepatitis C, and cervical spine disability have been granted. The application to reopen the claim of service connection for left leg sciatic nerve disability has been denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for muscle weakness, severe stomach and abdominal pains, sun sensitivity, loss of appetite, unusual bruising, eye condition, hepatitis C, migraines, numbness of the left side of the face and body, numbness and tingling in the left foot, numbness and tingling in the right foot, left hand pain/numbness, right hand pain/numbness, brain damage, short term memory loss, dizziness, excess tiredness, acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression), and skin rash have all been dismissed.,The Veteran withdrew his appeals for these issues.

The Veteran's cause of death, endstage cirrhosis with hepatorenal syndrome, is related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C is granted a 60 percent disability rating, effective from the date of decision. The temporary total rating based on hospitalization related to treatment for service-connected hepatitis C from August 24, 2012, to March 8, 2013, is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues except those related to his right elbow. As a result, the Board is dismissing these appeals.

The Veteran's hepatitis B has been asymptomatic throughout, and does not warrant a compensable rating.,The appeal challenging the calculation of unreimbursed medical expenses for the year 2009 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for heart disability, hepatitis, kidney disability, and TBI were denied. Service connection for schizophrenia was granted with a 30 percent rating effective March 17, 2006.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and hepatitis C, but granted service connection for major depressive disorder with psychotic and anxiety features. The Veteran's claim for headaches is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver, which was diagnosed before his military service and continued after discharge, likely began during his military service. Therefore, it is granted as direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes, hypertension, neuropathy of the feet and legs, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and depression due to potential exposure to herbicides while serving on ships off the coast of Vietnam. The claim for service connection for a headache condition is also remanded.