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Evidence checklist

Liver Cirrhosis

DC 731238 CFR § 4.114Digestive

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 2 collected
Liver biopsy or FibroScan confirming cirrhosis (F4 fibrosis)Critical

Liver biopsy pathology report showing bridging fibrosis and nodular regeneration, or FibroScan (transient elastography) with stiffness values consistent with cirrhosis (>=12.5 kPa).

Private provider · independent opinion
Nexus opinion linking cirrhosis to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting cirrhosis to service-connected hepatitis C/B, alcohol use disorder during service, or other service-related hepatotoxic exposure.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 1 collected
Gastroenterology or hepatology follow-up records

Ongoing specialist follow-up records documenting cirrhosis management, medication adjustments, and monitoring for disease progression.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Treatment records

0 of 3 collected
Liver function and synthetic function labs (albumin, INR/PT, bilirubin, platelet count)Critical

Serial labs documenting impaired synthetic function (low albumin <3.5, prolonged PT/INR) and thrombocytopenia from portal hypertension — key MELD and Child-Pugh scoring components.

VA or private records · written request
Abdominal ultrasound or CT showing cirrhotic morphology and portal hypertension

Imaging documenting nodular liver surface, splenomegaly, ascites, or portosystemic collaterals indicating portal hypertension.

VA or private records · written request
Complications documentation (ascites, varices, encephalopathy, HCC screening)

Records of decompensation events — hospitalizations for ascites drainage, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy episodes, or hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance. Under DC 7312 these are the named findings at the 30%, 60% and 100% levels alongside the MELD score.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Liver ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing cirrhosis stage, liver function test results, complications, and overall functional impact.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

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