Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the cases of entitlement to a compensable rating for Hepatitis C and service connection for pain and burning sensations in the legs, shoulders, arms and/or neck due to non-compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and liver cancer, finding that the evidence did not support a finding of direct causation to service. The claim was denied as there is no factual or legal basis upon which to award service connection for liver cancer secondary to hepatitis C.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected. The claim for hepatitis B remains pending and requires further examination to determine its etiology.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for hepatitis C prior to January 12, 2015, a disability rating in excess of 60 percent from January 12, 2015 through June 5, 2017, and a disability rating in excess of 40 percent thereafter. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to hepatitis C.

The Board denied service connection for right hip, left hip, and right knee disorders all claimed as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected enlarged navicular tuberosities.,Service connection was also denied for Hepatitis C, which the Veteran claimed was related to his service-connected enlarged navicular tuberosities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there is no persuasive evidence linking his current diagnosis to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including right knee, left knee, right ankle, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), hepatitis disorder, and left shoulder disabilities. The decision also referred the issue of service connection for a right shoulder disability back to the AOJ.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was withdrawn. The right knee retropatellar pain syndrome or bursitis and left knee strain were both denied, but a separate 10 percent rating was granted for left knee instability.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed as moot because his Supplemental Claim was granted in full, and there are no remaining issues for appellate consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for nonservice-connected pension benefits prior to November 17, 2009 and from November 1, 2016 to July 14, 2017 as his VA compensation benefits were found to be the greater benefit.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hepatitis C, claiming exposure to the virus during service. The Board has decided to remand this issue due to incomplete medical records and lack of proper notification.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete analysis. The claims will be reconsidered with consideration of all evidence, including lay statements.

The Board denied requests for earlier effective dates and ratings for PTSD, renal failure, and SMC based on housebound criteria. The issues of initial higher rating for liver transplant residuals and SMC based on aid and attendance are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C, which caused his death from hepatocellular carcinoma, was related to service exposure without appropriate personal protective equipment. As a result, the cause of the Veteran's death is now considered service-connected.

The Board has denied service connection for visual degradation due to the lack of current disability. The claims for right foot disability, hepatitis C, hypertension, low back disability, and duodenitis are remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis B and C have been denied as there is no persuasive evidence linking the conditions to his service.,For the acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, a new VA examination is needed due to inadequate previous evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of Hepatitis C is being remanded due to insufficient reasoning in the previous VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for cirrhosis of the liver was reopened and granted due to new evidence linking it to service. The claim for COPD, however, was denied as there is no link between the condition and herbicide exposure.,Service connection for cirrhosis of the liver was established based on presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and hepatitis C do not prevent her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, as she is capable of performing such employment despite her mental health issues.

The Veteran's claims for liver disability and kidney cancer are being remanded due to errors in the decision-making process, including a lack of adequate VA examinations and missing medical records.