Liver disease: VA claim review preparation
Start with the specific diagnosed liver condition and the issue VA denied. Liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatitis are not one interchangeable rating category.

Start with the notice
- Keep the complete decision notice, the reasons for each denied issue, favorable findings, evidence list, and instructions for review. Separate a denied service connection from a dispute about the percentage or effective date.
- Mark which disputed fact each record addresses. For an HLR, point to evidence already in the record; a Supplemental Claim requires new and relevant evidence. Verify the available lane before sending anything.
- Keep a copy of the form, attachments and filing receipt. These preparation notes do not file a claim or establish that VA received it.

Condition-specific records to gather
- Gather the specialist diagnosis, laboratory/imaging reports, treatment history and examination cited in the decision.
- Identify the claimed service event, exposure, or service-connected condition and the evidence supporting that link; do not assume an exposure alone proves the diagnosis or relationship.
- Record documented symptoms, treatment needs and daily effects. Ask the clinician and representative which diagnostic code and period of the claim apply.

Digestive rating rules changed in 2024. A historical Board outcome or an old rating table may not describe the criteria applicable to your period; separate the source date from your decision date.

Notes for you and your representative:
Disputed issue:
Record / date / what it addresses:
Missing information:
Next step and filing receipt:

U.S. federal VA benefits. Educational preparation, not medical or legal advice; not a VA form or a filing. Keep your completed copy private. A historical Board outcome does not predict your result.
Official sources reviewed 2026-10-07:
VA: evidence needed for a disability claim: https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/evidence-needed/
38 CFR 4.114: current digestive rating criteria: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.114
VA: Liver Conditions DBQ: https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/docs/liver-conditions.pdf
https://www.veterans-rights.com/appeal-options
https://www.veterans-rights.com/deadlines
https://www.veterans-rights.com/find-a-rep