Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C and GI disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hypothyroidism, hypertension, heart disease, and hepatitis C due to new and material evidence. However, no specific rating or effective date is assigned as these issues are still under review.

Since May 25, 2012, the Veteran's hepatitis C has been manifested by daily fatigue and joint pain but no weight loss or hepatomegaly. The VA examiner found no incapacitating episodes due to hepatitis C during the past 12 months.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the cause of his liver failure (which led to his death) is not related to service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hepatitis C is at least as likely as not incurred during his military service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is manifested by daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia without substantial weight loss or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest and treatment by a physician. The criteria for an initial disability rating higher than 20 percent have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's liver condition, manifested by fatigue, nausea, jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, and hyperbilirubinemia, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent. The Veteran was also denied entitlement to TDIU due to his service-connected disability as he is capable of maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis or a skin disorder (vitiligo and/or knots). His liver cysts are currently diagnosed, but they are not considered to be related to his active military service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type II and denied service connection for this condition. The claim for hepatitis C was also denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding his claims for Hepatitis C and cervical spine DJD. The VA will need to ensure that the file contains all relevant records, including updated treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and readjudication, including obtaining records from SSA, VA treatment records, and opinions regarding exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension and a heart disability (atrial fibrillation) as secondary to herbicide exposure, service-connected disabilities, and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a medical opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically whether his hepatitis C is related to service. The claim will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for hepatitis C. The Veteran's current hepatitis C is found to be etiologically related to engaging in high-risk sexual activity during service. Service connection for hepatitis C is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability, cervical spine disability, hepatitis, left knee disability and back disability. The decision found that new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate any of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and substance abuse secondary to PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination. The competency issue is also being addressed.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 20 percent prior to May 8, 2014 and upgraded to 100 percent effective May 8, 2014.

The Veteran's basal cell carcinoma is at least as likely as not the result of herbicide exposure and sun exposure during service. The RO granted service connection for this disability. Other issues remain pending in appellate status.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for hepatitis C and diabetes mellitus were denied as there was no prior claim or indication of intent to file a claim before the respective effective dates.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and any related Social Security Administration records. He also needs to be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his sleep disorder, erectile dysfunction, acid reflux, and hepatitis C.