Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2023

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C as there is no current diagnosis of this condition in the record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and updated VA treatment records. The right shoulder disability rating is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a liver disorder, including hepatitis C and status post-liver transplant, as well as for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD as secondary to a liver disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during or were related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected cirrhosis of the liver with chronic hepatitis was rated at 50 percent from May 8, 2018. The Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 7345 or 7312.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, but granted service connection for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric condition secondary to hepatitis C.,Service connection was established for hepatitis C based on evidence of treatment in service and the Veteran's current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and denied service connection for Hepatitis C and cirrhosis due to lack of evidence supporting a nexus to service, including exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's liver cirrhosis is granted as service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during service.,Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death (liver cirrhosis) is also granted.

The Veteran's colon cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer are all granted as service-connected.,A respiratory disability other than lung cancer is denied. Service connection for Hepatitis C is also denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C and increased ratings for PTSD, multiple traumas to left hand, dermatitis, and a scar are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted the appellant's application to reopen her claims for service connection for hepatitis C and left knee disability, but denied a higher rating for her left shoulder disability. The claim for service connection for cause of death is also remanded.

The Veteran's dental disorder claim is denied as he does not have a current condition for which compensation may be awarded. The hepatitis C and PTSD claims are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has reopened the claims for PTSD and Sleep Apnea due to new evidence received. The remaining issues are remanded for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for NASH as due to a service-connected disability, increased rating for his thoracic spine disability, and earlier effective date for his cervical spine disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Hepatitis C began during his military service and continues to this day, granting service connection for accrued benefits purposes.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition. The Board found that the Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver and tonsillar cancer did not have their onset in service or due to herbicide exposure, and were not otherwise related to his service.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims of service connection for liver disease and back condition, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has added new evidence to the claims file and finds that it is relevant for deciding the service connection claim. The case will be remanded for readjudication based on this additional evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of hepatitis C, finding that there is no medical evidence to support a link between his military service and the development of hepatitis C.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and liver disease, depressive disorder with panic disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea have been remanded for further development. A TDIU was granted prior to January 7, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C as the Veteran's use of illegal drugs during service constitutes willful misconduct and precludes such a claim.