Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2019

The Board has denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for ischemic heart disease, but has remanded the issue of hepatitis C. The Board also found that there is no evidence of ischemic heart disease prior to December 29, 2003.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of service connection for hepatitis was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was also denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's peptic ulcer disease with cirrhosis is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 60 percent. The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but not higher.

The Board denied service connection for right wrist and right-hand conditions, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, respiratory condition (due to asbestosis exposure), hepatitis C, deep muscle pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).,Service connection was not granted for any of the claimed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his death was not caused by any disability incurred in or aggravated by his service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as service-connected, with the effective date set at January 23, 1977.,Service connection for verruca plantaris and left hand degenerative arthritis (left hand condition) are denied. Service connection for hepatitis C remains denied.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the right knee disability and Hepatitis C claims. The hemorrhoids claim is granted with a 10 percent rating from November 2, 2005 and a 20 percent rating from November 9, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 11, 2017 for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R-2 rate due to insufficient evidence showing a need for higher level care on a daily basis.

The Veteran's death was attributed to his liver cancer, which is linked to Hepatitis C. The Board is remanded to determine if the Veteran’s PTSD may have contributed to or exacerbated his heroin use, leading to his Hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran was exposed to hepatitis C during service. The VA is instructed to obtain additional records and seek a medical opinion on the etiology of her hepatitis C.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 40 percent since March 28, 2012.,The Veteran's GERD claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, liver cirrhosis, and Parkinson’s disease due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to toxic substances in service. The case is sent back for further investigation and a medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if hepatitis C and PTSD are related to service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not service-connected, and has remanded for further examination regarding his GERD/IBS issues.

The Veteran's service-connected HIV is found to be the proximate cause of his current anxiety disorder. The claims for hepatitis B and acne are granted as new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records and authorize VA to obtain them, or seek authorization from SSA for any relevant information.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is service-connected, as it is related to his in-service motorcycle accident and subsequent treatment.,His liver transplant residuals are also service-connected, as they are secondary to his hepatitis C.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have caused or contributed substantially to his death from hepatic encephalopathy, cirrhosis, and Alzheimer's dementia. The issue of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 USC 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The Board has granted service connection for depression and headaches, but denied service connection for arthritis, gout of the bilateral feet, Hepatitis C, and Hyperlipidemia. An effective date prior to September 10, 2013, is denied for DMII, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C and PTSD due to the Veteran's failure to attend previously scheduled VA examinations. The case is being returned to obtain new examination results.