Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance was denied because the evidence did not show that he required regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete development, specifically needing a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to in-service symptoms.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids and Hepatitis B have been resolved. The Board has remanded the claims for gastrointestinal disability (including irritable bowel syndrome) and left ankle disability due to insufficient evidence.,Further examination is needed to determine if any current gastrointestinal or left ankle disabilities are related to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for Hepatitis C and its residuals, finding that new evidence supports a link between his military service and these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and a left knee condition are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development due to the need for additional evidence. The effective date of service connection for other specified stressor and trauma related disorder is being considered, but no specific rating or effective date was assigned.

The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, claimed as high blood pressure is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for loss of sensation, numbness, and weakness in the bilateral upper extremities is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic pain disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral flatfeet is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for GERD is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hemorrhoids is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a headache disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a sinus disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for an eye disability, claimed as dry eyes and allergies is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back condition, eye condition, and Hepatitis A.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hepatitis C, diabetes as secondary to hepatitis C, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as secondary to hepatitis C and for compensation pursuant to 38C.F.R. �1151 due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, hyperthyroidism, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus have been granted. The appeals for service connection for a lung disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, brain fog, hypertension, and osteoarthritis are dismissed or remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the Veteran's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The issues of service connection for hepatitis C and a psychiatric condition are being remanded.

The Board has found that the Veteran's hepatitis C and upper torso scar secondary to liver transplant surgery are related to his military service, but more development is needed for a definitive opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a more up-to-date examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected hepatitis C and stage 4 fibrosis liver condition.

The Veteran's hypertension is now presumed related to his in-service herbicide exposure, and service connection for this condition from August 10, 2022, is granted. The claims of cirrhosis of the liver and sleep apnea are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C, depression, PTSD, and diabetes mellitus type II due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology or relationship to service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C claim is reopened and the Board finds it at least as likely as not related to drug use during service. The back disorder, GERD, trigger fingers in both hands, right shoulder disorder, hyperlipidemia, and respiratory disorder (likely COPD) claims are all remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim for residuals of injury to the jaw and mouth, including a dental disorder, is reopened and the Board finds it at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury. The acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (likely referring to PTSD), hypertension, and right shoulder disorder claims are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hepatitis C and hepatitis B was dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of entitlement to a higher disability evaluation for lumbar spine sprain and TDIU prior to July 25, 2017.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and hepatitis C, finding no evidence of onset during service or chronicity since separation. The Veteran's assertions were not supported by the medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hepatitis C and entitlement to TDIU due to additional development being required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there is no current diagnosis of hepatitis C and noting conflicting evidence regarding its etiology.