Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis is found to have caused his death from systemic vasculitis, thus granting service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for psychophysiological gastrointestinal reaction (now claimed as gastrointestinal condition) is reopened, and the case is remanded to determine if it is related to his service-connected disabilities. The claim of service connection for Hepatitis C is also remanded.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 10 percent since April 18, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there were no daily fatigue, malaise, or anorexia requiring dietary restriction or continuous medication.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder has been reopened and is granted. The claims for Service Connection for Sleep Apnea, Liver Disability (other than Hepatitis C), Anxiety, PTSD, Dysthymic Disorder, and Depression are all remanded.

The Board is remanding the case due to the need for a supplemental medical opinion regarding the Veteran's liver condition and an updated Financial Status Report from the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of hepatitis C, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his in-service air gun inoculations and his current diagnosis of hepatitis C.

The Board found that the appellant was insane at the time of his misconduct, thus not finding a bar to VA benefits.

The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, right knee disorder, hepatitis C, and liver disorder due to the lack of evidence showing a current disability or a link between these conditions and active duty service. The claims are being remanded for further development.

All issues are being remanded for further development and consideration. The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable rating for his superficial scar of the right lower leg, as well as an increased disability rating for PTSD, will be reconsidered after additional evidence is obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's emergency medical care at Jupiter Medical Center was necessary due to an acute and hazardous condition, and that a prudent layperson would have reasonably expected delay in seeking treatment to be hazardous. The Board also found that no VA facility was feasibly available for immediate treatment. Therefore, reimbursement or payment is granted for the non-VA medical expenses incurred.

The Board denied service connection for heart condition, liver cancer, hepatitis C with liver cirrhosis, multiple myeloma, and acquired psychiatric disorder as the evidence did not show a relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hand and wrist disability, as well as his hepatitis C, were not incurred or caused by service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or exposure to risk factors for these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. However, the issue of service connection for hepatitis C remains remanded as a VA medical opinion is needed to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to service or herbicide exposure.

Service connection is granted for adjustment disorder with disturbance of mood and conduct. Service connection is remanded for hepatitis C and hypertension.

The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to diabetes mellitus, which was found to have contributed materially in producing or accelerating his death. The medical evidence is in equipoise as to whether the diabetes contributed to his death.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability, primary biliary cirrhosis, and myasthenia gravis. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to incomplete information regarding his service dates and medical records. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for kidney cysts, service connection for prostate cancer, and service connection for hepatitis B are being sent back for further development.

Service connection is granted for hepatitis C. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing records and an incomplete medical opinion. The Veteran's hepatitis C is considered a current disability, but the cause of his condition remains unclear.