Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) — all decisions

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for hepatitis C and Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hepatitis C was caused or worsened by VA treatment. The RO must obtain an appropriate medical opinion and attempt to obtain SSA records.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and chronic ethanol abuse with cirrhosis, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's PTSD and liver transplant claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence, while the TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of service connection for hepatitis was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was also denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's PFB, athlete’s foot, and toenail condition have been granted service connection. The Veteran's gout has been denied as there is no functional impairment resulting from the disability.,Service connection for residuals of any type of hepatitis (other than Hepatitis C) and thyroid condition has not been established.

The Veteran's peptic ulcer disease with cirrhosis is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 60 percent. The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but not higher.

The Board denied service connection for right wrist and right-hand conditions, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, respiratory condition (due to asbestosis exposure), hepatitis C, deep muscle pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).,Service connection was not granted for any of the claimed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his death was not caused by any disability incurred in or aggravated by his service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as service-connected, with the effective date set at January 23, 1977.,Service connection for verruca plantaris and left hand degenerative arthritis (left hand condition) are denied. Service connection for hepatitis C remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 11, 2017 for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R-2 rate due to insufficient evidence showing a need for higher level care on a daily basis.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 40 percent since March 28, 2012.,The Veteran's GERD claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the right knee disability and Hepatitis C claims. The hemorrhoids claim is granted with a 10 percent rating from November 2, 2005 and a 20 percent rating from November 9, 2012.

The Veteran's death was attributed to his liver cancer, which is linked to Hepatitis C. The Board is remanded to determine if the Veteran’s PTSD may have contributed to or exacerbated his heroin use, leading to his Hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran was exposed to hepatitis C during service. The VA is instructed to obtain additional records and seek a medical opinion on the etiology of her hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if hepatitis C and PTSD are related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, liver cirrhosis, and Parkinson’s disease due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to toxic substances in service. The case is sent back for further investigation and a medical opinion.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not service-connected, and has remanded for further examination regarding his GERD/IBS issues.

The Veteran's service-connected HIV is found to be the proximate cause of his current anxiety disorder. The claims for hepatitis B and acne are granted as new and material evidence has been submitted.