Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's NASH is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,A 40 percent rating for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted over the course of the appeal.,A 30 percent rating for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted over the course of the appeal.,A 40 percent rating for right lower extremity sciatica and a 40 percent rating for left lower extremity sciatica are granted over the course of the appeal.,Service connection for macular degeneration of the left eye, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, is remanded.,TDIU is remanded.

The Board has identified several new documents in the Veteran's file and is remanding the case for readjudication, including consideration of these additional records. The claims will be returned to the RO for this purpose.

The Veteran's hepatitis C claim is being remanded due to the need for a retrospective medical opinion regarding its severity prior to February 17, 2007. The SMC claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the hepatitis C claim.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and related conditions are currently rated at 80 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran also meets criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension and hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, including potential exposure during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for autoimmune hepatitis, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his condition and service or any service-connected disability.

The Board denied DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the cause of the Veteran’s death, finding that VA's carelessness or negligence did not proximately cause his death.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for right knee disability and service connection for Hepatitis C are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports. The Board requests additional retrospective opinions from VA clinicians to address the Veteran's symptoms, range of motion, and etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his schizophrenia substantially contributed to his death caused by a life of illegal drug abuse and subsequent Hepatitis C. The issue of DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's bile duct cancer is as likely as not related to his in-service treatment for infectious viral hepatitis and liver fluke exposure. The appeal for service connection for residuals of infectious viral hepatitis, including bile duct cancer, is granted. However, the heart disorder claim requires further investigation due to potential herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound was denied. The Board has decided the case should be remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding his functional limitations.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hepatitis C, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), gastrointestinal disability to include GERD, IBS, and a hiatal hernia are all denied.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction is denied with an initial compensable rating. Service connection for PTSD is also denied as the claimant does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hepatitis C may be related to his service, but needs further review by an infectious disease specialist to determine this.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining service treatment records from the Veteran's first period of enlistment in the United States Navy. The issues of service connection for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder are also being remanded to obtain a supplemental VA opinion.

The Board has decided that the claims for hepatitis C and acquired psychiatric disorders need further examination to determine their etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information from a previous VA examination regarding the Veteran's hepatitis C and its impact on his employability during the specified period. The case will be reviewed again with consideration of all applicable laws and regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of Hepatitis C, finding that there is no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C as the evidence did not support an in-service exposure and multiple other risk factors were present both before and after service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the hepatitis C claim, and his PTSD, acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), low back condition, left knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, respiratory disorder, and cirrhosis of the liver claims were all denied due to lack of a causal relationship between service and these conditions.