Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as there was no evidence to support their onset during or within one year after military service.

The Board has granted service connection for an allergy disability manifesting in dark circles around the eyes, subject to payment laws. The Veteran's other claims are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for cause of death and his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and secondary service connection for cirrhosis of the liver, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions were incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the claims for COPD and heart disability.,No specific rating or effective date was assigned in this decision.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for Hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a supplemental opinion from a clinician.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC at the (s) rate is denied as he did not have a single service-connected disability rated as total during the period from January 14, 2003 to February 9, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is granted service connection on a direct basis. The Veteran's hypertension, which requires continuous medication for control of diastolic pressure above 100, is granted an initial compensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Board has determined that the VA examination did not address whether the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to his in-service exposure and drug use, so the case must be remanded for further examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, cervical spine disability, and hepatitis C due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, duodenal ulcer, hepatitis C, chronic liver disability (secondary to hepatitis C), diabetes mellitus (secondary to sleep apnea), and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and depression) have been dismissed.,Service connection has not been established for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's liver condition, resulting from his service-connected dysthymic disorder and alcohol abuse, is granted for purposes of accrued benefits. The Veteran also qualifies for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his deteriorating liver condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and alcohol abuse), and Hepatitis C due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's claim for hepatitis C service connection is denied due to his own willful misconduct.,Service connection for chloracne (claimed as a skin condition) is denied because there is no evidence of such a condition.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and CAD have been granted effective from December 9, 2002. The earlier effective dates for the increased ratings are established.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not service-connected as it is believed to be due to his own drug abuse after service.,Diabetic retinopathy and diabetes mellitus were not diagnosed during the time of the Veteran's death, and thus cannot be service-connected.,Chloracne was found to have been incurred in service based on its recurrence post-service.,Peripheral neuropathy was not service-connected as it is believed to be due to Agent Orange exposure, but there is no evidence linking it to service.,The Veteran's need for aid and attendance from another person could not be established.

The Veteran's Hepatitis C was not incurred in or related to service, and the Board denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a rating in excess of 40 percent from April 29, 2002, and in excess of 60 percent from March 10, 2016 for cirrhosis of the liver with hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination to determine if there is a current diagnosis of back disability and hepatitis, and to ascertain their severity.