Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Board denied the claims for service connection for a left foot great toe disability, hepatitis C, and pseudofolliculitis barbae, as well as initial compensable ratings for hammer toes of both feet and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death to obtain a medical opinion addressing whether the Veteran's contributory causes of death are related to service or whether his hepatitis is related to service and thereby caused or contributed to his death.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his medical conditions to his active service.

The Board granted a 100 percent rating for cirrhosis of the liver effective January 3, 2020, but denied earlier effective dates and higher ratings for both conditions.

The Board granted service connection for cirrhosis of the liver, finding that it was a result of the Veteran's military service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp LeJeune.

The Board remands the claim for a medical opinion concerning whether the Veteran's cardiac arrhythmia, fatal liver disease, and hepatitis C were related to service.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for hepatitis to ensure a VA examination and medical opinion are obtained, addressing potential pre-service exposure and in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for hepatitis C to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including obtaining relevant non-VA treatment records and an adequate VA examination.

The Board remands the claims for service connection of anemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hepatitis, and an acquired psychiatric disability to ensure that VA has obtained all relevant evidence necessary to make a decision on these claims.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 40 percent for hepatitis B, but not higher.

The appeal for compensation under 38 USC § 1151 for hepatitis B is dismissed as the grant of service connection for hepatitis B (previously rated as hepatitis C) is a greater benefit.

The Board remands the claims for a compensable rating for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders, as further development is needed.

The Board denied the request to reopen the groin injury claim for lack of new and material evidence, denied service connection for bleeding of the colon on the merits, and remanded three issues (right shoulder condition, epididymitis, and the 38 U.S.C. § 1151 perforation claim) for further development after reopening the perforation claim based on newly received evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and cirrhosis, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and his active service or his service-connected PTSD.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, finding that chronic hepatitis incurred during active service led to primary biliary cirrhosis and ultimately caused hemorrhage from esophageal varices.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for hepatitis C, high blood pressure, a liver disability, and a cardiac disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Board granted service connection for cervical disc disease with radiculopathy, secondary to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The Board also granted ratings of 50%, 80%, and 40% for various neurological conditions affecting the lower extremities, as well as a rating of 60% for hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver.

The Board granted service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance that the Veteran's current hepatitis C disability was incurred in and is etiologically related to active service.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of September 25, 2017, for the award of service connection for hepatitis B but denied an earlier effective date for migraine headaches and a compensable rating for hepatitis B. The claim for a higher rating for migraine headaches was also denied.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for a liver condition to correct an error by the AOJ and ensure that all necessary medical opinions are obtained.