Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) — all decisions

The appeal to reopen the claims for service connection for depression, bipolar disorder, and hepatitis C was denied. The claim for service connection for PTSD was also denied. The issue of entitlement to service connection for anxiety was remanded.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment. The claim for service connection for major depressive disorder was denied, as well as a compensable rating for hepatitis B.

The Veteran was granted a 100 percent disability rating for hepatitis C, status post liver transplant from December 2, 2015 to August 9, 2019.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for hepatitis C and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) to obtain a new nexus opinion.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for hepatitis C to obtain an addendum opinion addressing secondary aggravation by a service-connected disorder, including diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for Hepatitis B for further development, specifically requesting an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's additional disability and its causation.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for hepatitis C as the evidence did not support daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia with minor weight loss or hepatomegaly, or incapacitating episodes.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and the claim for accrued benefits due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes due to individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis, as he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, and a left knee disorder but granted service connection for bilateral flat feet.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU, finding that his service-connected hepatitis C does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or preclude him from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the current diagnosis is related to in-service risk factors and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that a medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with polysubstance abuse (including alcohol) caused or aggravated his liver disease, which contributed to his death.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for higher initial ratings and earlier effective dates related to various conditions, including a back scar, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and hepatitis C. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of the lumbar spine disability is granted with a 20% rating from January 7, 2010.

The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed. Service connection for hepatitis C is granted, with the condition being linked to IV drug use during active service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's liver condition, which includes hepatitis-B, hepatitis-C, and cirrhosis. The Board found that there is a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hepatitis C and his service, specifically his exposure at Camp Lejeune. The VA clinician needs to provide a clear explanation for their conclusion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hepatitis C and its relation to service exposure, specifically blood of wounded soldiers.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, cirrhosis of the liver, and bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability and left upper extremity radiculopathy are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not service-connected, but has remanded for further development regarding his acquired psychiatric disorder.