Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Veteran's cause of death, end-stage liver failure due to hepatitis C, is considered service-connected for purposes of entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) benefits. However, the appellant was not owed any accrued benefits at the time of her husband's death as no monetary benefits were due based on his initial claim filed before he died.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver have not caused symptoms such as intermittent fatigue, malaise, and anorexia, or any incapacitating episodes (with symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, arthralgia, and right upper quadrant pain). As a result, a compensable initial evaluation is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and residuals of a liver transplant, finding that further examination is needed to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking any service-connected disability to his death. The Board also found that alcohol abuse did not warrant direct service connection.

The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and a nervous condition is granted. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and enlarged liver with indicated fatty infiltration and cysts (claimed as cysts) are denied. The claim of service connection for hepatitis C is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a low back disorder, a disorder of the left leg (including degenerative joint disease of the left hip), hepatitis C, and epididymitis due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left wrist degenerative arthritis, depression, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) lumbar spine with left leg radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection was denied for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318, finding that the Veteran's death was not related to his service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his in-service tattoos and his current condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus and Hepatitis C due to insufficient medical opinions addressing his service connection claims. The Veteran is seeking service connection for both conditions based on in-service noise exposure and immunization, respectively.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's alcohol dependence, hypertension, and liver disease (steatohepatitis) are all found to be secondary to his service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood. The separate claim for an anxiety disorder is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hepatitis C, PTSD, and an increased rating for anxiety disorder due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, and a sleep disorder was granted effective May 1, 2013. The rating for tinnitus was also granted effective May 1, 2013. A 50 percent rating for PTSD is assigned.

The Board has remanded the claims for chronic sinusitis, hepatitis C, a genitourinary condition, and dental pain due to unclear service records. The Veteran's periods of active duty need to be verified.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection due to the death of the Veteran, and requests that the appellant clarify whether she wishes to proceed as a substitute claimant or for accrued benefits purposes. The appellant is also requested to provide any additional evidence pertinent to her claims.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The claims for Hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to in-service noise exposure.,Service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including disc disease, is denied because the condition did not manifest during service and there is no evidence of an in-service injury or event. The current condition is related to post-service injuries.

The Veteran's hepatitis C has not manifested daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia with substantial weight loss and hepatomegaly; or experienced any incapacitating episodes of hepatitis C totaling a duration of at least six weeks during any 12-month period. Therefore, the claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for hepatitis C is denied.