Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2022

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for hepatitis C, finding that the criteria were not met as the April 2017 withdrawal was valid and did not result in an increase in severity of the disability within one year prior to December 6, 2017.

The Veteran was granted service connection for hepatitis C, which is related to his in-service exposure to blood during a rocket attack. He also received service connection for a skin disorder, diagnosed as onychomycosis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, erythema annulare centrifigum, MF (likely psoriasiform dermatitis), and tinea pedis, which he contends began in Vietnam.,The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to his service due to exposure during a rocket attack. For his skin disorder, the Board determined that while there was no direct evidence of its onset during service, the Veteran's longstanding condition and medical history supported a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's thyroid disability, gout of the feet, IBS with hepatitis B, lumbosacral disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are all granted. However, several issues remain unresolved and need further review.

The Board has granted service connection for Hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran likely contracted the condition during his military service. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported exposure to multi-use injection equipment and the absence of post-service risk factors.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination in March 2013, and a new examination is required.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for hepatitis C due to insufficient medical opinion and lack of relevant treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, a liver disorder secondary to hepatitis C, hypertension secondary to PTSD with depression and polysubstance abuse, obstructive sleep apnea secondary to PTSD with depression and polysubstance abuse, and denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to their death.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for hepatitis C was granted, and service connection is now established. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than a mood disorder remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis B and hepatitis D as the appellant failed to appear without good cause for a scheduled VA examination, and there was no evidence supporting his claim of in-service exposure or causation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete examinations and other procedural issues.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional development and clarification regarding substitution requests. The Veteran's son and sister are seeking to continue his appeal, but there is confusion about who should be the appellant. Additionally, outstanding VA treatment records and private medical records must be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for liver cirrhosis is reopened, and the case is remanded for further examination to determine if his condition was caused or aggravated by a disease or injury in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left shoulder disability, psychiatric disability (including bipolar disorder), hepatitis C, and right wrist disability. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were related to service or caused by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of infectious hepatitis was denied. The claims for service connection for anemia, stomach problems (gastroesophageal reflux disease and abdominal hole with damage/scarred liver), gastritis, hiatal hernia, rectum pain/leakage, and headaches were all denied as secondary to service-connected hepatitis. The claim for service connection for pes planus was remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic hepatitis is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a new examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hepatitis C and diabetes mellitus, type II due to herbicide exposure. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis B and hepatitis C due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service or relationship to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there is no persuasive evidence linking his current diagnosis to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of hepatitis C, finding that it did not originate in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to service.