Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Veteran has withdrawn all of the issues on appeal, including service connection, rating, and TDIU issues.

The Veteran's total combined rating for service-connected disabilities is 90 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and cholangiocarcinoma have been granted. The Board also found that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities.

From February 1, 2009 to January 1, 2010, the Veteran's peptic ulcer disease was manifested by moderately severe symptoms including frequent abdominal and epigastric pain, bleeding ulcers, nausea, malaise, and constipation resulting in anemia and incapacitating episodes that occurred 12 times a year and lasted 12 days. The preponderance of evidence shows the Veteran's peptic ulcer disease was manifested by no more than occasional and intermittent abdominal and upper (and lower) quadrant pain, acid reflux, and gastritis with less severe symptoms not frequently occurring.,Prior to February 1, 2009 and from January 1, 2010, the preponderance of the evidence reflects that the Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C was manifested by daily fatigue and malaise with additional symptoms of arthralgias, gastrointestinal disturbance, nausea, and vomiting particularly when he was receiving ulcer therapy in 2009; there is no credible evidence of four or more weeks of incapacitating episodes.

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's hepatitis C and VA treatment in the 1980s, February 1993, or July 2003. The preponderance of evidence is against finding that the Veteran's hepatitis C was caused by VA care.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cirrhosis of the liver, cervical spine disability, right shoulder arthritis, and right knee arthritis did not manifest during service or within one year of separation from service. Therefore, these claims are denied.

The Veteran's hepatitis C claim is being remanded for an addendum opinion from the April 2012 VA examiner regarding its etiology. The additional shoulder disability under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is also being remanded, with a request to obtain an addendum opinion addressing whether the proximate cause of the superior labral tear was reasonably foreseeable or due to carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability was denied as there is no evidence of such during service or within one year post-service.,Service connection for partial amputation of the left index finger was also denied, with the condition noted at service entrance and not aggravated by any in-service disease or injury.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for cirrhosis prior to December 6, 2011 was granted. From December 6, 2011 onwards, the Veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C likely began during his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of excision of plantar warts of the right foot was granted, with an evaluation in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The effective date is not specified as it is less than the maximum benefit available.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's nasal disorder and bilateral hearing loss disability are not related to service or service-connected conditions, leading to a denial of these claims. The claim for TDIU is also denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no further action can be taken on these issues.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's currently diagnosed hepatitis C, and thus the appeal is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hepatitis C is etiologically related to his active military service, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for liver condition (Hepatitis C), heart condition, kidney condition, lung condition, back condition, brain damage, and emotional/behavioral problems have all been granted. The claim for meningitis remains denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were not incurred in service or related to his active duty. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues currently before the Board, including service connection claims and a TDIU claim. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 50 percent since December 23, 2015. The claim for service connection of Hepatitis C and skin disabilities of the left and right feet are granted.