Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD, which aggravated his alcohol abuse and liver disease. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death are met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hair loss, skin condition, and hepatitis C are etiologically related to service. The claim for hair loss is denied due to a genetic cause, while the skin condition and hepatitis C are granted as they are presumed to be related to service.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis with liver damage and gout, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, a liver condition (including hepatitis B and C), an eye condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to exposure to herbicides have been denied.

The Veteran's hepatitis C has not resulted in intermittent fatigue, malaise, and anorexia or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest and treatment by a physician. Therefore, the claim for a compensable initial disability rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status has been denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for hepatitis C before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C and bilateral ankle myofascial syndrome are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected residuals of pelvic fracture and separation of symphysis pubis with low back pain has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show improvement in the disability under ordinary conditions of life and work, and thus no increase in disability was warranted.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted for the period from February 1, 2001 to October 20, 2006.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B and C, as well as his respiratory condition to include emphysema. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and clarifying the nature of his psychiatric disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death. The medical evidence does not support a connection between his service, presumed herbicide exposure, and his fatal conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disability of the scalp and neck is presumed to have been aggravated by service, as evidenced by his in-service treatment for acne keloidalis. The claim for hepatitis C is granted based on direct service connection.,Service connection is established for a skin disability of the scalp and neck due to its onset during service and aggravation therefrom. Service connection for hepatitis C is also established.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, hypertension, and vision loss as there is no evidence of a disease or injury that would qualify for compensation benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its secondary effects on other disabilities, have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or direct service connection.

The Veteran's hepatitis C has been rated at 100% since October 13, 2014. The effective date for the dependency allowance is set to June 2016. The Veteran is granted TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that hepatitis C is not attributable to service, including via air gun injections or exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's diagnosis of hepatitis C was more likely related to his own risk factors such as intranasal cocaine use and unprotected sex.