Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) — all decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Degenerative Disc Disease of the lumbar spine was denied as new and material evidence was not received.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C was reopened due to receipt of new and material evidence, but it was ultimately denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for Erectile Dysfunction was denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease was denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for Seizures was denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder was denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hypertension was denied.

The claim for service connection for the cause of death is reopened, and the case is remanded to determine if PTSD contributed to the Veteran's death or aggravated his cirrhosis.

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.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was received on December 30, 2011. The Board denied an earlier effective date as the earliest possible effective date is December 30, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: the initial rating for lumbosacral strain with arthritis and the initial compensable rating for hepatitis C. The Veteran's back pain and hepatitis C symptoms need further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus type 2, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, anxiety, and depression due to outstanding service treatment records not being available. The Veteran is presumed to have had these conditions during his military service.

The Veteran's death was caused by hepatocellular carcinoma, with other significant conditions including hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and portal hypertension. The claim is remanded to determine if the Veteran served in Thailand or Vietnam and whether his service-connected disabilities contributed to his death.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for Hepatitis C and Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, as well as his claim for TDIU. The claims will be reviewed again with a focus on obtaining additional medical evidence and determining the appropriate disability ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis B, bilateral eye disability (claimed as vision problems), and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the remand was not adequately addressed in previous decisions and requires further examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's autoimmune hepatitis, including whether it is related to herbicide agent exposure or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and hypertension due to insufficient compliance with previous remand instructions.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records from Miami, Florida and private treatment records from Dr. R.B.S., as well as verifying his periods of active duty and Army Reserve service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with cirrhosis and associated cirrhosis of the liver are being remanded for further development as part of a larger case involving his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected HIV disease and hepatitis B do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions and further development is needed. The Veteran's autoimmune hepatitis will be evaluated for service connection, including consideration of herbicide exposure and any aggravation by service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C was denied as the evidence did not support a nexus to service. The Veteran's hepatitis C diagnosis came many years after separation from service.,Service connection for alcohol abuse was denied because it is considered willful misconduct and precluded by law.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and awarded SMC based on the need of regular aid and attendance, but denied service connection for Hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, eye conditions, hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C, arthritis, and diabetes. The Veteran's private treatment records are needed, as well as the full set of his service treatment records.

The Board has received new evidence and is remanding the cases for further review by the AOJ.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to missing private medical records and the need for VA examinations.