Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unauthorized emergency medical treatment provided by Bryan Medical Center from March 31, 2015 to April 3, 2015 meets the criteria for payment or reimbursement under VA regulations. The condition was deemed an emergent one and there were no feasible VA facilities available.

The Board has remanded both issues due to the need for further development, including a VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hepatitis C was related to his military service and if it contributed to his death.

The Veteran's chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, diagnosed as GERD and esophagitis, are the result of his active service. His left knee disorder, kidney disorder, low back disorder, and hepatitis B have also been found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The appeals for ischemic heart disease and hepatitis C were withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied as there is no evidence to support a link between his military service and the condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for hepatitis C because the evidence submitted was not new and material.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his claimed bilateral ankle disorder, hepatitis, or meningitis. The preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's attempts to reopen his claims for service connection for hepatitis C and a dental disability, both of which were previously denied. The evidence submitted since the final decisions is considered cumulative and does not provide new or material information.

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

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for hepatitis C and liver fibroids, as well as his claim for TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a liver disability, finding that there is no credible evidence linking his current liver disability to his in-service exposure.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for hepatitis C and entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual employability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and nonservice-connected pension benefits, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a VA examination and review of medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and need for further medical opinions.

The Board found that the Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred. The Board also determined that it was less likely as not that the Veteran's PTSD caused or aggravated his cirrhosis.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with residuals of hepatitis A is currently rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability has been reopened and is granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance and/or housebound status is denied as the evidence does not show that he is permanently or substantially confined to his home due to service-connected disabilities, nor is he unable to perform self-care activities without assistance.

The Board has ordered an additional VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's liver disability, including whether it is caused or aggravated by his in-service herbicide exposure.