Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Veteran's cause of death was due to metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis C cirrhosis, which the Board found were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the earliest date of entitlement was January 31, 2011.,VA regulations do not allow for an earlier effective date for hepatitis B as it did not meet the criteria for a 10 percent evaluation prior to January 31, 2011.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's urological condition (iatrogenic hypospadias) and denied service connection for Hepatitis C and hypertension. The urological condition is considered a direct result of in-service medical procedures, while there is no evidence to support service connection for Hepatitis C or hypertension.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was manifested by fatigue, mild stomach pain, and a slight decrease in appetite prior to February 5, 2010. The criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's dermatophytosis, which covers approximately 20-40 percent of his body during flare-ups, warrants a rating in excess of 10 percent.,VA medical evidence does not support service connection for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is found to have had its onset during his period of active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, and hepatitis C. The lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are considered to be directly related to service based on the evidence provided.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and updated VA medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C disability is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain his SSA records and provide addendum opinions regarding the etiology of his cardiac disorder, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with ascites is related to his military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a liver disorder and a back disorder, both of which were attributed to radiation exposure during the Veteran's active duty. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Veteran's liver disease, including cirrhosis of the liver, liver transplant, and terminal cancer, was not caused by VA treatment. The Board found that there is no evidence to support a finding that VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill contributed to the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis was denied, but his claims for PTSD and aortic valve stenosis were granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to deficiencies in the VA's duty to assist and potential errors in a previous decision.

The Veteran's liver disorder and diabetes mellitus did not manifest in service, were not continuous since service, were not shown to a compensable degree within one year of separation from service, and are not etiologically related to his active service.,Service connection for the Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver was denied as it is not etiologically related to his active service. Service connection for diabetes mellitus was also denied as it is not secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and any outstanding VA treatment records. They are also asked to provide a medical opinion regarding whether hepatitis C, which was diagnosed in the early 1990s, is related to active duty or contributed to the cause of death.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C is currently rated at 60 percent, effective January 6, 2017. The rating reflects daily fatigue and nausea with six weeks or more of incapacitating episodes during the past year.