Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for service-connected Hepatitis C is remanded due to the need for a VA examination at an appropriate facility, given his incarceration.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hepatitis C, dermatitis, hallux valgus of the left foot, pes planus of the left foot, and epididymitis due to a failure to provide notice of hearing rights before issuing the initial decision in October 2019.

The Veteran's hepatitis C has been evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted.,The Veteran's left knee disability was previously rated at 30 percent, but the Board now finds that an updated VA examination is necessary to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, urinary incontinence, hepatitis C, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to new and relevant evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims are now pending before the RO.

The Veteran's chronic leukemia and recurrent pneumonia are granted service connection. The liver cirrhosis, sleep condition (previously claimed as sleep apnea syndrome), and diabetes mellitus, type II are denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune syndrome due to new and relevant evidence submitted by the Veteran. The VA is instructed to obtain addendum medical opinions regarding the nature and likely etiology of these conditions, including whether they are related to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities resulting in loss of use of both lower extremities. The appeal seeking a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss, right lower extremity nerve damage, left lower extremity nerve damage, and hepatitis C are related to service. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The appeal for hepatitis C and cirrhosis as secondary to hepatitis C is dismissed. The appeal for asbestosis is remanded due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the March 7, 2018, Rating Decision that denied his claim on the merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of records and inadequate medical opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's cutaneous manifestation of hepatitis C and liver disease (previously addressed as skin condition) and other specified feeding or eating disorder have been granted service connection, but the effective dates for these conditions are July 26, 2017.,A higher initial rating for hepatitis C is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeals for an effective date prior to November 23, 2016, for PTSD service connection and a disability rating in excess of 20 percent prior to March 3, 2020, for duodenal ulcer with gastroesophageal reflux disease, hepatitis B, and esophagus stricture due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (claimed as urinary frequency and voiding dysfunction), and chronic kidney disease. The evidence did not support a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for hepatitis C and an earlier effective date for tinnitus, due to potential errors in previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C due to in-service immunizations or emergency dental care, as well as his secondary service connection with diabetes mellitus. The case is returned to the AOJ for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and remanded the issues of service connection for a kidney disability, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disability, and secondary polycythemia. The Veteran's claims are being returned to VA for further development.

The Board granted a 100% rating for PTSD and service connection for cirrhosis of the liver, effective December 8, 2022. Attorney fees are eligible based on past-due benefits resulting from this decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error regarding hepatitis C. The Veteran's service connection claim for hepatitis C is being reviewed again.

The Veteran's hepatitis B was denied an increased rating as it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and hypertension were also denied initial compensable ratings.