Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hepatitis C is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's hepatitis is granted service connection. The left knee instability rating is restored to 20 percent, and the limitation of flexion remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for spondylosis, lumbar spine was denied. The claims for hypertension and hepatitis C are remanded.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions as they have become moot due to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound, as well as the cause of death claim due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his active service.

The Veteran's applications to reopen claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, hepatitis C, and cervical spine disability have been granted. The application to reopen the claim of service connection for left leg sciatic nerve disability has been denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for muscle weakness, severe stomach and abdominal pains, sun sensitivity, loss of appetite, unusual bruising, eye condition, hepatitis C, migraines, numbness of the left side of the face and body, numbness and tingling in the left foot, numbness and tingling in the right foot, left hand pain/numbness, right hand pain/numbness, brain damage, short term memory loss, dizziness, excess tiredness, acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression), and skin rash have all been dismissed.,The Veteran withdrew his appeals for these issues.

The Veteran's cause of death, endstage cirrhosis with hepatorenal syndrome, is related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C is granted a 60 percent disability rating, effective from the date of decision. The temporary total rating based on hospitalization related to treatment for service-connected hepatitis C from August 24, 2012, to March 8, 2013, is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues except those related to his right elbow. As a result, the Board is dismissing these appeals.

The Veteran's hepatitis B has been asymptomatic throughout, and does not warrant a compensable rating.,The appeal challenging the calculation of unreimbursed medical expenses for the year 2009 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for heart disability, hepatitis, kidney disability, and TBI were denied. Service connection for schizophrenia was granted with a 30 percent rating effective March 17, 2006.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and hepatitis C, but granted service connection for major depressive disorder with psychotic and anxiety features. The Veteran's claim for headaches is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver, which was diagnosed before his military service and continued after discharge, likely began during his military service. Therefore, it is granted as direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes, hypertension, neuropathy of the feet and legs, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and depression due to potential exposure to herbicides while serving on ships off the coast of Vietnam. The claim for service connection for a headache condition is also remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a liver disorder (also claimed as hepatitis C). The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's hepatitis C with parenchymal liver disease.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claim for liver condition including hepatitis C is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD, alcohol dependence, headaches, cirrhosis of the liver, GI disorder, bilateral knee disorder, kidney disease, spleen disorder, hypertension, keratoderma (a skin condition), and sleep disorder are all secondary to his service-connected conditions.,The VA has not provided sufficient evidence regarding the onset or causation of the Veteran's GI disorder, bilateral knee disorder, kidney disease, spleen disorder, hypertension, keratoderma (a skin condition), and sleep disorder. The Veteran’s hepatitis C is also under review for secondary service connection.