Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the submission of additional issues not addressed in previous AOJ decisions. The TERA exposure and development is also required.

The Veteran's hepatitis B with gastritis is rated at 30 percent, the maximum allowed under current rating criteria. The decision grants this initial disability rating but does not address any issues related to increased ratings or other service connection matters.

The Veteran's PTSD and DMII ratings remain at 50% and 10%, respectively, with the case being remanded for further examination regarding hepatitis C. Service connection for hepatitis C is also pending.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is found to be related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.,Secondary service connection is also granted for joint aches, chronic fatigue condition (including dizziness), and chronic abdominal pain as secondary to hepatitis C.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to an error in characterizing the Veteran's discharge, and these claims are now subject to further review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, metastatic pancreatic cancer, was caused by his exposure to Benzene and Trichloroethylene in service or his service-connected hepatitis. As a result, the appeal for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's June 2017 VA Form 9 substantive appeal was timely filed, and as a result, the underlying claims under the legacy system must be reinstated. The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are granted.

The Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's cause of death is related to service, as evidenced by his in-service complaints and ongoing symptoms. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an advisory medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service and his post-service health issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, hepatitis C, and respiratory conditions (including sinusitis) are related to service. However, his bilateral hearing loss and flash burn with chronic watery and corneal scarring (eye condition) require further examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as proximately due to his service-connected major depressive disorder, while other issues are denied.

The Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating reduction for Hepatitis C has been dismissed due to their death.

Service connection for Hepatitis C is granted.,Service connection for Prostate Cancer and residuals thereof as due to Camp Lejeune exposure is denied. Service connection for Erectile Dysfunction as secondary to prostate cancer is also denied.,Service connection for a right knee disability is remanded, and service connection for a left knee disability is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues except tinnitus have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the claims by the Veteran. The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an increased rating to 70 percent for the entire period on appeal.,The Veteran was also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD and Hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for hepatitis C is denied. The claims of entitlement to a compensable initial rating for migraine headaches and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for hepatitis C was reopened and granted. The claims for left knee osteophytosis and right total knee replacement were denied.,The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (previously claimed as PTSD) is remanded.