Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.,The issues of service connection for hepatitis C, initial ratings for Parkinson's disease, and other related conditions are pending.

The Veteran's cause of death, cirrhosis of the liver, was caused by exposure to contaminants during a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) at Camp Lejeune. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or aggravated his in-service drug use, which may have led to his hepatitis C.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and a liver disability, including cirrhosis, as secondary to claimed hepatitis C. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of hepatitis C and insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's assertion of in-service exposure to an unsterilized air gun.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for persistent depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, hepatitis C, HIV, abdomen tumor residuals, and vertigo have been granted. The case is remanded for further examination regarding the abdomen tumor and vertigo.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in a need of regular aid and attendance, which the Board finds warrants special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C as there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss and various diagnosed psychiatric disability for further development due to insufficient opinions in the June 2018 remand.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and hepatitis C due to a lack of an addendum opinion regarding their etiology, as well as a failure to afford the Veteran a VA examination related to his hepatitis C claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cirrhosis and its relationship to service, specifically exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE). The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional private treatment records and conduct a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, migraine headaches, and nerve damage to the feet are remanded due to the need for additional examinations. Service connection has been granted for hepatitis C and a depressive disorder secondary to hepatitis C.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and verifying his employment history.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and related hepatic disabilities due to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), and status post liver transplant. The reasons include a need for development of risk factors and treatment records, as well as obtaining a VA medical opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, substance abuse, and hepatitis C due to inadequate opinions in previous evaluations.

The Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to his period of service.,The Veteran's right arm, left arm, right hip, left hip, right knee, left knee, right leg, and left leg disabilities are not related to his period of service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis B is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 13, 2020.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic liver disease including hepatitis C. The Board found that the conditions preexisted service or were not aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for Hepatitis C, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's in-service vaccinations and his later diagnosis of hepatitis C. The Board also found no other service-connected condition contributing to his cause of death.