Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's hepatitis C with cirrhosis and associated cirrhosis of the liver are being remanded for further development as part of a larger case involving his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records from Miami, Florida and private treatment records from Dr. R.B.S., as well as verifying his periods of active duty reserve service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and hypertension due to insufficient compliance with previous remand instructions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and awarded SMC based on the need of regular aid and attendance, but denied service connection for Hepatitis C.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions and further development is needed. The Veteran's autoimmune hepatitis will be evaluated for service connection, including consideration of herbicide exposure and any aggravation by service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C was denied as the evidence did not support a nexus to service. The Veteran's hepatitis C diagnosis came many years after separation from service.,Service connection for alcohol abuse was denied because it is considered willful misconduct and precluded by law.

The Veteran's service-connected HIV disease and hepatitis B do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to missing private medical records and the need for VA examinations.

The Board has received new evidence and is remanding the cases for further review by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, eye conditions, hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C, arthritis, and diabetes. The Veteran's private treatment records are needed, as well as the full set of his service treatment records.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to have been incurred in wartime service due to herbicide agent exposure. The Board granted service connection for this condition.,The cause of the Veteran’s death, cardiomyopathy, was found to be caused by his now service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Board has denied service connection for back disability, sleep apnea, heart disability, hypertension, and hepatitis C as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or are related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C and Vertigo were denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for Sleep Apnea was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and the inability of the VHA physician to provide clarification regarding his prior medical opinions. The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C remains under review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and lichen planus due to incomplete records and need for additional development.

The Veteran's hepatitis C, PTSD, and prostate adenocarcinoma residuals are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for alcoholism, hepatitis C, an eye disorder, and a skin disorder as the evidence did not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's hepatitis C, tinnitus, and PTSD claims have been denied. The VA has granted a 70% rating for PTSD beginning August 1, 2016, but the effective date is not specified.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence in some areas, including a VA examination that did not adequately address the Veteran's service connection claim. The claims will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hepatitis C may be related to his service, specifically the use of air injection guns for immunizations. However, more evidence is needed from a medical expert to confirm this relationship.