Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ED, headaches, a sleeping condition, acid reflux, hepatitis C, and a left shoulder injury. The decision is final as no substantive appeal was filed within the required time frame.

The Veteran's hepatitis B is granted as service connected due to exposure to Agent Orange during military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was granted. The claim for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver disease, hepatitis C, skin cancer, neuropathy, residuals of shrapnel wounds to the back, buttocks, and legs, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and a lumbar spine disability. The appeal is currently remanded for further development.,The Veteran's appendectomy scar was rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7804 due to pain but not instability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased rating for hepatitis C and TDIU due to incomplete development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for VA purposes related to Hepatitis A, and thus denied service connection. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to January 23, 2013 is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hepatitis C and DIC based on service connection for the cause of death due to a lack of clear and unmistakable evidence regarding the preexistence of the condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to his service, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination to assess his current liver condition, including whether it is related to his service-connected hepatitis A.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is not manifested by anorexia, incapacitating episodes, or near debilitating symptoms. Therefore, the claim for a compensable disability rating for hepatitis C is denied.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for liver failure due to a duty to assist error. An addendum opinion is needed from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's liver failure, including autoimmune hepatitis, and whether it is at least as likely as not caused by exposure to environmental hazards during his Gulf War service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C claim is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination. His TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, pes planus, and hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need for additional development related to outstanding service personnel records.

The Board denied service connection for steatohepatitis and a gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD, finding that the conditions were not related to active duty service.

The appeal for service connection of multiple conditions has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for hepatitis C due to additional evidence and theories provided by the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis was due to his own willful misconduct in using illicit intravenous drugs during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in relying on a medical opinion that did not consider all relevant factors, including the Veteran's service exposure and risk factors.

The Veteran's hepatitis C disability was found to be predominantly manifested by intermittent fatigue and right upper quadrant pain prior to August 27, 2018. Since then, it has been characterized by daily fatigue. The Board denied the claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 27, 2018 and in excess of 20 percent since.

The Board has determined that there is not substantial compliance with the development sought as part of the December 2019 remand and therefore, the claims for service connection for hepatitis C and cirrhosis, and entitlement to TDIU based on service-connected disabilities are being returned to the AOJ for further action.