Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Veteran's GERD and Hepatitis B are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to obtain treatment records and request authorization for additional medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder, hepatitis C, chronic lumbar spine disorder, and chronic right shoulder disorder have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrence or aggravation that would support these claims.

The Veteran's death was caused by hepatitis, which is a service-connected condition. Therefore, the Board has granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hepatitis C was denied as the evidence did not show symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions, including anemia, cirrhosis of the liver, lumbar spine condition, diabetes, duodenal malformation, esophageal condition, hypertension, psychiatric disorder (PTSD), retinopathy of the right eye, and thrombocytopenia are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran is requested to provide any relevant evidence not previously submitted.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied because his combined rating of 60% does not meet the minimum percentage requirements for an award of a schedular TDIU, and there is no evidence that his service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis B as there is no current diagnosis of the condition and the Veteran's positive hepatitis B antibodies were likely acquired in Korea during service, not due to a disease or injury incurred in service.

The Board has found that the July 2016 decision relied on a VA opinion that did not consider the Veteran's allegations about being inoculated with an airgun used without cleaning. The claims for hepatitis C and its secondary effects are remanded due to this issue.

The Board has granted dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his liver failure was caused by in-service toxin exposure to herbicide agents. The decision is based on the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's claims for a higher disability rating for his depressive disorder and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA clinical records, as well as an examination to assess the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine disorder, liver disorder (including hepatitis and cirrhosis), and acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of compliance with previous remand directives regarding obtaining service treatment records. The case is returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's death was caused by liver failure due to cirrhosis, which the Board found to be related to his service. The cause of death is therefore granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's attempt to reopen her claim for service connection for residuals of hepatitis B, finding that the new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's diabetes is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected hepatitis C, and thus denied service connection for diabetes. The case was also remanded for a new VA examination regarding the Veteran's hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA opinion regarding his hypertension.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has not been received to support the claims of service connection for difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing. The Veteran's other claims have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining in-service treatment records and providing a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for updated examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune, including for a psychological condition and Hepatitis C. The VA is instructed to obtain additional treatment records and provide supplemental medical opinions addressing causation or aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is not related to service and was noted on pre-induction examination prior to service.,There is no evidence of a current left shoulder or right shoulder disability, arthritis of the upper extremities, or left knee disability at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim. The Veteran's current disabilities are not linked to service.