Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is at least as likely as not related to his in-service appendectomy, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, but the issues of a higher initial rating for PTSD and major depressive disorder, as well as a TDIU rating are remanded.

The Veteran's hepatitis C disability is being remanded for additional VA treatment records and an updated examination to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the claim due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and its relationship to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's liver cancer is granted service connection due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The claim for his liver disease remains pending and requires further examination.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, but denied both the claims for hepatitis C and the reopened claim for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has denied service connection for multiple joint pain, hepatitis C, and neck condition. The case is remanded to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran was granted special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance from September 27, 2011 to September 19, 2012 due to his inability to perform daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, or driving, and required assistance with hygiene needs. The preponderance of evidence indicates he no longer needed regular aid and attendance after this period.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hepatitis C may be related to his service, but needs more information from medical records and a new examination.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, chronic fatigue as secondary to hepatitis C, and gastrointestinal disorder as secondary to hepatitis C due to lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's left lower extremity injury, status post-gunshot wound, is rated at 30 percent. The Veteran's left buttock injury, status post-gunshot wound, is rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing Hepatitis C disorder did not undergo a worsening in active duty Army service, and it is unclear if his liver cirrhosis was the result of in-service aggravation beyond the natural process of the disease. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The claim to reopen service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death is granted, but the case is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's liver disease and his military service.

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

The Board cannot make a decision on the service connection for hepatitis C due to lack of an opinion from a VA examiner regarding its relation to in-service events or conditions, including exposure to air gun injections or dental work instruments.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to missing post-service treatment records that may be relevant to the Veteran's hepatitis C diagnosis and history.

Throughout the rating period, a disability rating greater than 60 percent for infectious hepatitis and hepatitis C was denied. For the period from January 24, 2014 to July 5, 2017, a disability rating greater than 10 percent for depressive disorder was denied. For the period from July 6, 2017, a disability rating greater than 30 percent for depressive disorder was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for hepatitis C and traumatic brain injury, but remands them due to insufficient evidence. The claim for service connection is pending.

The Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is in remission, and he has been granted separate ratings for a heart disability, hepatitis B, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, joint pain, weakness, malaise, and insomnia as residuals of his service-connected condition. The case is being remanded to determine whether the Veteran should be entitled to a rating for cirrhosis of the liver.