Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current conditions, particularly his heart and liver disorders which are believed to be related to a viral illness in April 1973 during active duty. The VA is instructed to obtain additional records and schedule appropriate examinations.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was caused by an in-service blood transfusion performed prior to 1992 after the left thigh puncture wound.,The Veteran's back and hip disorders are not service-connected as they did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking them to a service-connected condition.

The Board has denied service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is not related to his military service, including air gun injections. The evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's in-service vaccinations and his later diagnosed hepatitis C.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for Hepatitis A and PTSD, so these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied because the evidence did not show a current diagnosis of hepatitis C, and the secondary service connection claim failed due to the Veteran's alcohol and substance abuse being considered willful misconduct.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for hepatitis C because no new and material evidence was received, even though the Veteran's testimony included allegations about air gun inoculations in 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 Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional shoulder disability were denied by the Board.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis have been granted. The claim for a compensable rating since October 21, 2011, for his hepatitis B disability has been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and right shoulder disability due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for an addendum opinion. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatocellular carcinoma status post liver transplant had improved to a minimum level, warranting a reduction from 100% to 30%. The decision was granted as the evidence showed improvement in his condition.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral tinnitus and remanded the issue of service connection for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's hepatitis A, B, and C resulted in daily fatigue but no other significant symptoms. His onychomycosis affected his toenails but did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for further evaluation as secondary to herbicide exposure.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and MDD) is also remanded.,The reduction in the rating of liver transplant from 100% to 30% was proper, but a compensable disability rating for scars, residuals of liver transplant, remains denied.,Issues related to hypertension and psychiatric disorders are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a liver disability and TDIU due to service-connected disability, as an adequate medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of the Veteran's liver disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for Hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver associated with Hepatitis C, finding that these conditions are related to air gun immunizations received during service.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's portal hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected hepatitis C.,Service connection for essential hypertension is remanded.

The Board has determined that hepatitis C is at least as likely as not related to in-service exposure to contaminated water, and thus grants the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and remanded the liver mass / lesion claim due to lack of current diagnosis or symptoms.