Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's TDIU claim for hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver prior to March 27, 2017 was denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU and his service-connected disabilities alone were not sufficient to prevent him from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to in-service herbicide exposure and secondary conditions. The issues include DM, hepatitis C, HTN, a skin condition (excluding tinea versicolor), including eczema and dermatitis, and kidney failure.

The Board has denied service connection for Hepatitis B and Mononucleosis as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions during the pendency of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and the need for additional development, including obtaining records from Dr. G.P. regarding the Veteran's hepatitis C treatment regimen.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain inpatient treatment records from Fort Benning Medical Center for hepatitis and secondary service connection. The case is remanded due to inadequate examination regarding drug abuse use.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis was denied. The rating for PTSD prior to January 8, 2020, and the request for TDIU prior to that date were also denied. However, a grant of TDIU as of January 8, 2020, was granted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for cause of death due to new and material evidence submitted by the appellant. The Veteran's cause of death was caused by gastrointestinal bleed, esophageal varices, hepatocellular carcinoma, end stage liver disease, and liver cirrhosis.,The appellant contends that the Veteran's hepatitis C may be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus or due to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam. The Board finds a remand necessary for an addendum opinion on both issues.

The Veteran's lung disability claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a lung disability.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is granted based on in-service noise exposure, but not related to service due to aggravation by post-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a liver disability.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, bilateral ankles, and arthritis of his entire body. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's Hepatitis C had its onset during service, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis B and hepatitis C due to a lack of VA examination, which is necessary to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, and psoriasis. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted.

The appeal for service connection on all claimed conditions has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of the 70 percent rating for cirrhosis is granted, as her condition did not improve to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and review of records. The issues include hepatitis, depression, anxiety, and a lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for cause of death. The case is being remanded for a VA opinion regarding the causes of cirrhosis and diabetes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C may be related to his service and is requesting additional VA treatment records. The case will be remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for sinusitis and GERD and cirrhosis of the liver due to insufficient evidence or further clarification from the Veteran. The current ratings are denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's initial rating for liver fibrosis is denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher than 10 percent evaluation. The TDIU claim is also denied due to the Veteran meeting the schedular criteria and having other service-connected disabilities that allow him to work.

The Board denied service connection for liver cancer, hepatitis C, and kidney disability. The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to liver cancer with a contributory cause of cardiac dysrhythmia.