Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's Hepatitis C was rated at 10 percent from November 3, 2003 through June 30, 2009 and granted a 100 percent rating from July 1, 2010 to June 13, 2012. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating since June 14, 2012 is denied.,The Board also found that the Veteran was not entitled to TDIU prior to March 1, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's depressive disorder due to hepatitis C was initially rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that his symptoms did not more closely approximate a higher rating. The evidence showed significant improvement over time.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C has been granted. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and the temporary total evaluation following a liver transplant are both remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of compliance with previous instructions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hepatitis C and presumed herbicide exposure during service.

The Board denied a compensable rating for service-connected Hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's condition is asymptomatic and not productive of intermittent or daily fatigue, malaise, anorexia, requiring dietary restriction or continuous medication, or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's 100% rating for hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver, status post liver transplant, is restored as it was not shown that his ability to function under ordinary conditions had improved at the time of the reduction.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C as the evidence did not support a causal relationship to active service.

The Veteran's tuberculosis and Hepatitis C claims are denied as there is no evidence of a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis B, left knee disability, back disability, and acquired psychiatric disability were denied as there was no new and material evidence to reopen the hepatitis claim. The left knee and back disabilities are not service-connected due to lack of a current diagnosis or medical etiology.