Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2001

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for nonservice-connected pension benefits, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a retroactive award due to lack of incapacity and insufficient medical records showing hospitalization.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding no reasonable possibility that additional development would aid in substantiating his claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and amblyopia of the left eye were denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied both claims.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death, specifically the fall that led to cirrhosis of the liver.

The veteran withdrew his appeal, effectively dismissing the case.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hepatitis C, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to January 14, 2000 and since January 14, 2000.

The veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including migraine headaches, COPD, asthma, tussive syncope, fatigue, major depression and PTSD, joint soreness due to an undiagnosed illness, hepatitis C, diarrhea, dental disorders (loss of teeth), and hemorrhoids have been granted. The service connection is determined on the merits for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical records and examinations, as well as compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied entitlement to increased ratings for the veteran's hepatitis, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to April 30, 1996 or in excess of 30 percent as of and subsequent to April 30, 1996.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities do not render him unemployable due to his alcohol and substance abuse, which led to periods of unemployment. The veteran was therefore denied a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claims for Hepatitis C and Neurodermatitis are also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or relationship to service.

The VA Regional Office denied the veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C, citing procedural defects and lack of sufficient medical evidence to determine the etiology of his condition.

The veteran's appeal involves two issues: a request for an increased rating for chronic hepatitis and the reopening of his claim based on new evidence. The case is being remanded to allow further development.

The veteran died of cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. The cause of death was attributed to a bleeding peptic ulcer, which is not service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and rated it as zero percent disabling from May 25, 1999. However, the veteran's claim is being remanded to determine if he currently experiences symptoms that warrant a higher rating.

The Board found that the evidence submitted since July 1984 was not new and material, thus denying the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus. The VA is also required to review the issue of increased ratings for shell fragment wound to the left foot and hepatitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and procedural issues, including a need for further development of the evidentiary record.

The Board denied the appellant's application to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for hepatitis, stating that he did not submit any new and material evidence.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected hepatitis is currently non-symptomatic and does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.