Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his hepatitis C, finding that he does not have current signs or symptoms attributable to hepatitis C and no incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is rated at 20 percent, and his skin disorder is assigned a noncompensable rating prior to February 20, 2019. The Board denied increased ratings for both conditions.

The Veteran's initial claim for hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver, steatosis/fatty liver and status post cholecystectomy was granted with a 10% rating effective May 21, 2008. The appeal sought higher ratings for this condition prior to October 1, 2011, from October 1, 2011 to March 31, 2011, and since March 31, 2011. The Board denied these claims as the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and insufficient evidence regarding the cause of death. The Veteran's causes of death are being reviewed, including consideration of probative medical research submitted by the Appellant.

The Veteran's diabetes is being remanded for a new medical opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service heat stroke, bacterial pneumonia, mumps vaccine, rubella vaccine, or hepatitis A vaccine.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for VA purposes.,Service connection for hepatitis is denied due to lack of evidence showing a currently disabling condition.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to decide the claim of service connection for hepatitis A, as there are uncertainties in the current record and potential exposure during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cirrhosis of the liver as secondary to hepatitis C, finding that there is no current diagnosis of cirrhosis and no evidence supporting its existence during the pendency of the claim.

The VA reduced the Veteran's rating for hepatitis C from 60% to 40%, but this decision was improper. The Board has reinstated the 60% rating effective December 1, 2020.

The appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for post-operative residuals following a liver disease/transplant and aggravation of pre-existing hepatitis C is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to alcoholic cirrhosis, as it was not related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is related to his in-service hazardous noise exposure. The other conditions were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and bilateral hand disability, manifesting as bilateral hand pain, have been granted. The claim of service connection for hepatitis is being remanded.,Service connection has been established for BPPV and bilateral hand disability, manifesting as bilateral hand pain, based on credible lay evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (fatty liver disease) rated with diabetes mellitus, type II, has been withdrawn. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent and remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) were denied as the earliest date of receipt was December 25, 2021.

The Board denied service connection for heart conditions, cirrhosis of the liver, and diabetes. The Veteran's heart disabilities were not related to his active duty in Korea.,The Board also denied service connection for left foot peripheral neuropathy and left ankle condition.

The Veteran's hepatitis C has been granted service connection. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a liver disorder, other than hepatitis C (including fatty liver disease and liver cysts).

The Veteran's hepatitis C has been granted service connection. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a liver disorder, other than hepatitis C (including fatty liver disease and liver cysts).

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal because his timely substantive appeal was not received by VA in response to an October 28, 2019 Statement of the Case for hepatitis C.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance from November 15, 2021, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him bedridden or in need of regular aid and attendance.