Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis (non-A, non-B), right pyelonephritis, ectopic pregnancy and its residuals, and hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease).,There is no evidence of a current diagnosis or chronic condition for any of the conditions in question.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis type C as there is no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for liver cancer and hepatitis C due to potential secondary effects from his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cirrhosis, DM2, and esophageal varices are all granted. Cirrhosis is related to TCE exposure during service. DM2 is also related to TCE exposure. Esophageal varices are secondary to the now-service-connected cirrhosis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and clarification regarding who is the appellant in this appeal, as well as to obtain authorizations for outstanding medical records.

The Veteran is assigned a noncompensable rating effective November 13, 2009 and a 20 percent rating effective September 30, 2011 for Hepatitis B.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hepatitis C, and cirrhosis of the liver due to potential new evidence submitted by the appellant. The cases are now pending further review.

The Veteran's appeal for retroactive payments related to a February 2023 rating decision has been dismissed because he did not submit the required Notice of Disagreement (NOD) within one year from the notification letter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to a lack of recent medical evidence, new theories of entitlement, or procedural issues.

The Veteran's right hip disorder, genitourinary disorder other than erectile dysfunction (epididymo-orchitis), nasal disorder, and several musculoskeletal conditions are remanded for further development.,Service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions is being remanded due to insufficient evidence linking them to service exposure or service-connected disabilities. Further examination and opinion may be necessary under recent changes in law related to toxic exposure claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic hepatitis C and sleep apnea have been reopened. The Board has ordered remand to obtain medical opinions regarding the relationship of these conditions to military service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's chronic liver disease and chronic fatigue syndrome. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions and conduct further development as needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hepatitis C, and a right foot disorder were denied as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for residuals of bilateral tibia and fibula fractures, residuals of hepatitis, and a psychiatric disability due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The VA will obtain additional medical records and schedule the Veteran for examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic gastric condition other than IBS, diverticulosis and hepatitis was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of colon polyps, stomach polyps, and H. pylori infection did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his in-service gastrointestinal issues or any service-connected disabilities. For the rating issue, the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for IBS with diverticulosis and hepatitis was also denied as there were no symptoms that warranted an evaluation above 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for an updated VA medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver associated with Hepatitis C is granted effective from September 4, 2009.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for hepatitis B and C. The Veteran's symptoms related to PTSD have been rated at 50 percent, but there is no evidence showing that a higher rating would be warranted during any portion of the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by or contributed to by service-connected conditions, specifically his prostate cancer and exposure to Agent Orange. The cause of death is listed as cardiopulmonary arrest due to cholangiocarcinoma and cirrhosis. Service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.