Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) — all decisions

The appeal is denied for the claims of service connection for hepatitis C, left shoulder disorder, acid reflux, erectile dysfunction, sleep disorder, and headaches. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and anxiety reaction) has been reopened.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a facial fracture was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria under Diagnostic Code 9905.,Service connection for hepatitis C was granted, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not granted an initial compensable rating prior to February 3, 2012. From that date, a maximum 100 percent disability rating for hepatitis C is granted. Effective August 14, 2012, the Veteran qualifies for SMC at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities. Prior to February 3, 2012, he was not entitled to TDIU.

Service connection is granted for Hepatitis C, and the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis because no new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the previously denied claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of hepatitis C, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his military service and his current condition.

The appeal for service connection of hepatitis has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the condition and active service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hepatitis C may be related to his active duty service, but needs a medical opinion to confirm this.

The Board has remanded the cases of hepatitis B and hepatitis C for further development, including obtaining medical opinions to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower abdominal disability, including cirrhosis, hepatitis C, pancreatitis, and a stomach condition, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hepatitis C, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as secondary to hepatitis C, and diabetes mellitus, type II as secondary to hepatitis C due to insufficient clarification of the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C. The case will be returned for an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician.

The Veteran's combined rating for hepatitis, IBS, GERD, and hiatal hernia was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during the period from January 14, 2010 through December 28, 2012.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, as a medical opinion is required to determine if his fatal hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma may be related to his presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's hepatic disorders are not service-connected as they are due to alcohol abuse, and the Board finds that there is no causal relationship between his in-service fatty liver disease and his current conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis B, and mental disorder are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating based on his symptoms and medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to new evidence received within one year of previous rating decisions. The issues include lumbar spine, cervical spine, left foot, left knee, colon disabilities, right eye strabismus hypertropia and exotropia, deviated nasal septum, and hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether hepatitis C is related to service-connected hyperhidrosis and whether new evidence supports reopening claims for bilateral hearing loss and depression.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims are granted in part, as they relate to his frostbite residuals, hepatitis, and acquired psychiatric disorder.