Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cirrhosis and its relationship to service, specifically exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE). The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional private treatment records and conduct a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, migraine headaches, and nerve damage to the feet are remanded due to the need for additional examinations. Service connection has been granted for hepatitis C and a depressive disorder secondary to hepatitis C.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and verifying his employment history.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and related hepatic disabilities due to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), and status post liver transplant. The reasons include a need for development of risk factors and treatment records, as well as obtaining a VA medical opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, substance abuse, and hepatitis C due to inadequate opinions in previous evaluations.

The Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to his period of service.,The Veteran's right arm, left arm, right hip, left hip, right knee, left knee, right leg, and left leg disabilities are not related to his period of service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis B is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 13, 2020.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic liver disease including hepatitis C. The Board found that the conditions preexisted service or were not aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for Hepatitis C, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's in-service vaccinations and his later diagnosis of hepatitis C. The Board also found no other service-connected condition contributing to his cause of death.

The appeal for service connection of diabetes mellitus is dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The earlier effective date claim for cirrhosis of the liver has been denied.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is granted as service-connected, with the condition likely related to his service in Desert Storm.,The Veteran's low back disability is granted as service-connected, linked to his service from 1991-1991 and diagnosed during service.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is denied.

The appeal for diabetes mellitus is dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of infectious hepatitis, but service connection remains denied.,Obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to lack of relevant VA examination records.,Left knee disorder is remanded as there are no current VA examinations available for review.,Right knee disorder is remanded due to lack of current VA examinations and incomplete medical history.,Neck disorder is remanded because the etiology of the condition needs further clarification.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if any of the Veteran's conditions, including cirrhosis of the liver, are related to his military service. The examiner must consider the April 1969 service treatment records and the Veteran's presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's unauthorized emergency care at Providence St. Mary Medical Center on August 21, 2015 is covered by VA due to the nature of his condition and the availability of alternative treatment options. The partial Medicare coverage does not affect the decision as payment or reimbursement is still warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, and PTSD due to missing VA records and a need to obtain private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to service, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, hepatitis C, diabetes, and PTSD. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C and PTSD due to incomplete records and lack of compliance with previous remand directives.