Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2024

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of hepatitis A, liver condition, hepatic steatosis, cirrhosis, non-alcoholic, and bilateral foot condition due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for separate compensable ratings for Hepatitis B and GERD, as well as a rating in excess of 30 percent for Hepatitis B with GERD, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant higher ratings under either diagnostic code.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence linking his current diagnosis to his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for skin disability, cholecystitis, liver disability (to include hepatitis and hyperbilirubinemia), diverticulitis, and lymphadenopathy as there is no persuasive evidence that these conditions began during service or are related to in-service events.

The Board has determined that there is a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error in the case and requires an addendum opinion to address the adequacy of the July 2018 VA medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining service treatment records and providing a medical opinion. The Veteran's hepatitis is being reviewed again.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and initial ratings for migraine headaches and Hepatitis C. The appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination that addresses the rating criteria for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for cirrhosis of liver and COPD has been dismissed as the Veteran and his attorney requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining service treatment records and providing a medical opinion. The Veteran's hepatitis is being reviewed again for proper determination of its onset during or related to his service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and Hypertension, as well as secondary service connection for these conditions due to non-service connected Hepatitis C. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and hepatitis C due to additional evidence being added to the record. The Veteran's former representative withdrew from representation, so the case will be reviewed by the AOJ.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for cirrhosis of the liver and TDIU. The case is now back with the Board.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to July 6, 2017 due to insufficient evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and thyroid disorder as due to hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not related to active service or any incident of service.

The Board denied a higher rating for Gilbert's disease with history of hepatitis, with abdominal pain, prior to March 25, 2021, as the evidence did not show daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia (without weight loss or hepatomegaly) requiring dietary restriction or continuous medication.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding records and clarification of her military history, including potential risk factors for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's current pseudofolliculitis barbae had its onset in service and the Board granted service connection for this condition. The bilateral ankle conditions and hepatitis B claims are remanded due to lack of VA treatment records and need for a PACT Act compliant medical opinion.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities from December 29, 2011, to May 14, 2013, and may be eligible for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability. The claims for service connection for hepatitis C and left shoulder arthritis are remanded due to inadequate examination reports, and the TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to procedural issues and the need for additional medical examinations. The claims are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.