Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2019

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral knee impairment and hepatitis C, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a link to service. The Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 10 percent.,The Board has remanded the issue of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for acne scars due to insufficient information regarding the characteristics of disfigurement.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's cause of death was related to service, including exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange), and whether it was due to VA negligence in diagnosing or treating his anal carcinoma.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and hepatitis C were denied as new and material evidence was not received.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent evaluation for the entire appeal period, hepatitis C service connection is denied, and tinea versicolor receives a noncompensable rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for PTSD, DM, hepatitis C and fatty liver, a skin condition, and a heart disability. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current diagnosis and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's liver cancer and whether it is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's cause of death and his in-service herbicide exposure. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran’s cause of death was related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder, hepatitis C, and GERD due to potential exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The VA is instructed to obtain updated VA treatment records, request SSA disability benefits records, and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination in each of these cases.

The Board has determined the Veteran's death is related to his active service, specifically his hepatitis C infection. However, additional evidence and medical opinions are needed to establish a clear link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and VA medical care did not contribute to his cause of death. The Board denied DIC benefits under 1318, 1151, and for the cause of death.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and its residuals, finding no current diagnosis of the condition or evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's medical expenses for treatment at St. Charles Medical Center from September 6 to September 8, 2012 are granted, subject to the payment limitations of 38 U.S.C. § 1725(c)(4).

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding potential herbicide exposure and private medical records.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 20 percent prior to February 17, 2007 and denied a higher rating. The Veteran also did not meet the criteria for SMC based on housebound status prior to this date.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and residuals of a kidney transplant, finding that the conditions are related to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for hepatitis C during a video hearing, leading to the dismissal of this case.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, numbness in the hands and feet, and a breathing and throat condition to obtain missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied in a February 2003 rating decision. The Board has determined that the issue remains pending and is remanded due to a substitution request.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to his service, including potential exposure during combat in Vietnam.