Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected chronic liver disease and depressive disorder are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's hepatitis A is rated at a 40 percent rating prior to January 22, 2019 and denied for any higher ratings thereafter. The Veteran also has service-connected restless leg syndrome that is secondary to his radiculopathy.,Service connection for Meniere's disease and vertigo are both remanded as the VA examiner did not adequately consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms in service and post-service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, finding that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's PTSD to his drug use and subsequent hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hepatitis B, and a right foot neurological disorder have been denied. The case has been remanded for further examination to determine the etiology of any current right foot neurological disorder.

The Veteran's cause of death is being remanded for a VA medical opinion to determine if his conditions are related to service or herbicide exposure. The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 remains denied as the Veteran was not rated 100% disabled at any point.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for memory loss, hepatitis, hearing loss, and tinnitus has been reopened. The Board finds that the case is REMANDED due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's initial rating for left foot sole scar prior to December 1, 2017 is denied. The Veteran's claim of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a left eye disability due to VA surgery in November 2009 is also denied. Other issues related to service connection and effective dates are remanded.

The Board denied reopening the claims for hepatitis C, hypertension, and bilateral hallux valgus due to lack of new and material evidence. The Veteran's testimony regarding persistence of high blood pressure after service and prolonged standing in service did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's hepatitis claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of hepatitis.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his hearing loss began during service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's personality disorder and low sex drive claims are withdrawn by the appellant.,The Veteran's balance issue claim is remanded for further examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus claim is remanded as VA records need to be obtained and a medical opinion provided regarding its onset and relationship to service.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded due to the inextricably intertwined nature with his diabetes mellitus claim.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation) claim is withdrawn by the appellant.,The Veteran's narcolepsy claim is remanded for further examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's insomnia claim is remanded due to the inextricably intertwined nature with his back and left knee disability claims.,The Veteran's chronic fatigue claim is remanded due to the inextricably intertwined nature with his acquired psychiatric disability (depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation) claim.,The Veteran's back disability claim is remanded for further examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's left knee disability claim is remanded for further examination to determine its etiology.

The Board has remanded the cases of hepatitis C and multiple joint pain for further development to address the Veteran's in-service complaints and risk factors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for cirrhosis of the liver due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The claim of service connection for hepatitis has been reopened, but further development is needed before the claim can be adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including providing the Veteran and his representative with a copy of the curriculum vitae of the VA examiner who conducted the January 14, 2020 examination related to hepatitis C.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his schizophrenia and alcohol abuse were incurred or aggravated by his active-duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, hepatitis, or hiatal hernia. The appeal for service connection for these conditions is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hepatitis C and a liver condition, including liver cancer due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations. The Veteran's exposure to risk factors for hepatitis C is being sought from his military service.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is granted as the treatment was rendered in a medical emergency and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for hepatitis C and remanded the claims for higher ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service or his service-connected PTSD.