Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that new and material evidence to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a liver disorder (also claimed as hepatitis C). The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's hepatitis C with parenchymal liver disease.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claim for liver condition including hepatitis C is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD, alcohol dependence, headaches, cirrhosis of the liver, GI disorder, bilateral knee disorder, kidney disease, spleen disorder, hypertension, keratoderma (a skin condition), and sleep disorder are all secondary to his service-connected conditions.,The VA has not provided sufficient evidence regarding the onset or causation of the Veteran's GI disorder, bilateral knee disorder, kidney disease, spleen disorder, hypertension, keratoderma (a skin condition), and sleep disorder. The Veteran’s hepatitis C is also under review for secondary service connection.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is rated at a 60 percent rating as of March 4, 2017. The appeal for higher ratings prior to that date and between December 11, 2009 and March 4, 2017 was denied.

The Board is requesting an opinion from the Veterans Health Administration regarding service connection for a liver disorder. The claim will be remanded after receiving this information.

The Board has remanded two claims: one for service connection of hepatitis B and another for hepatic steatosis. The hepatitis B claim is due to a blood exposure incident during service, while the steatosis claim is related to Camp Lejeune exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis because there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board has remanded the cases of hepatitis C and hypertension for further development due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has ordered remand to consider whether he should receive a higher rating or separate ratings for his cirrhosis. The TDIU claim is also on hold until the hepatitis issue is resolved.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for Hepatitis C, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the claim.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of hepatitis C and granted it, as new evidence was submitted that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the underlying claim. However, the claim is denied because there is no credible evidence showing a link between the Veteran's in-service tattoo and his current diagnosis of hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for hepatitis C is remanded due to the need for updated VA medical records and an examination to assess current severity.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C with chronic fatigue as secondary to his service-connected achalasia, post-operative. The case is remanded for further evaluation of his chronic obstructive lung disease and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his assertions of secondary service connection. The VA will schedule examinations and obtain additional medical records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for hepatitis C. The issues of service connection for skin disability and acquired psychiatric disability have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, sleep apnea, and right eye vision loss due to in-service right zygoma fracture are remanded. The Veteran also has a current diagnosis of hepatitis C which is the subject of an independent medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B and increased disability ratings for benign cysts of the right ear lobe, left forearm, and right breast were denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for the increased rating on thoracic spine was granted.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to his service-connected residuals of laceration of left calf. The reduction from 30 percent to 0 percent for recurrent cellulitis, left leg, was granted and the rating restored. Service connection for vasculitis, left lower extremity, and hepatitis C are remanded.