Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as a need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current hepatitis B and C diagnoses are related to his service or his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features) as these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board has granted service connection for optic neuropathy and cirrhosis of the liver, but has remanded the left knee disorder issue due to lack of a VA examination.

The appeal as to hepatitis C is dismissed. The appeals for service connection and rating increase related to the Veteran's low back condition, right leg radiculopathy, neuritis pain disorder of the right upper extremity, and residual scarring of the right hand are remanded.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver is rated at 40 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as there was no evidence to support their onset during or within one year after military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an allergy disability manifesting in dark circles around the eyes, subject to payment laws. The Veteran's other claims are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for cause of death and his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and secondary service connection for cirrhosis of the liver, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions were incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the claims for COPD and heart disability.,No specific rating or effective date was assigned in this decision.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for Hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a supplemental opinion from a clinician.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC at the (s) rate is denied as he did not have a single service-connected disability rated as total during the period from January 14, 2003 to February 9, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is granted service connection on a direct basis. The Veteran's hypertension, which requires continuous medication for control of diastolic pressure above 100, is granted an initial compensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Board has determined that the VA examination did not address whether the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to his in-service exposure and drug use, so the case must be remanded for further examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability, and hepatitis C due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, duodenal ulcer, hepatitis C, chronic liver disability (secondary to hepatitis C), diabetes mellitus (secondary to sleep apnea), and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and depression) have been dismissed.,Service connection has not been established for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's liver condition, resulting from his service-connected dysthymic disorder and alcohol abuse, is granted for purposes of accrued benefits. The Veteran also qualifies for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his deteriorating liver condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and alcohol abuse), and Hepatitis C due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's claim for hepatitis C service connection is denied due to his own willful misconduct.,Service connection for chloracne (claimed as a skin condition) is denied because there is no evidence of such a condition.