Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2003

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to a failure to comply with VCAA notice and duty-to-assist provisions. The veteran is required to undergo VA psychiatric and liver examinations, and all relevant records must be obtained from Social Security Administration.

The Board has granted a higher initial evaluation of 40 percent for hepatitis C, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's hepatitis C, including whether it had its onset in service.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis C was dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and Hepatitis C due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange). The veteran's claims were not supported by new evidence.

The veteran's right knee disability, hepatitis B, headaches, and psychiatric condition are all found to be service-connected. The aching joints claim is denied as not being attributable to service, while the fatigue claim is also denied due to depression.

The Board has granted service connection for Hepatitis C and assigned a 30 percent disability rating for the left shoulder disability. The other issues remain pending.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The VA determined that the veteran did not have disabling hepatitis or PTSD, and thus no compensable rating was warranted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis and granted his claims for PTSD and residuals of a right knee injury based on new evidence.

The Board has determined that a medical opinion from a gastroenterologist is needed to determine the cause of the veteran's hepatitis C, as there are conflicting opinions in the file. The RO should also provide the veteran with proper VCAA notice and assist him in obtaining any missing medical records.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to notification from the veteran requesting withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, hepatitis C, and a skin disorder. The case is now remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's service-connected hepatitis B and hiatal hernia disabilities. The case is being remanded for additional examination and review.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected history of hepatitis was denied. The evidence did not show sufficient disability to warrant a compensable rating under the current schedular criteria.

The veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent disabling, and hepatitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, hepatitis C, and a rating in excess of 40 percent for fibromyalgia were denied. The RO is instructed to provide VCAA notice and obtain all relevant medical records before readjudicating the claims.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD was a contributing factor to his death, as it aggravated his pre-existing alcohol-related liver disease.

The Board denied reopening the appellant's claim for service connection for cause of the veteran's death due to lack of new and material evidence.