Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2004

The Board found that the veteran does not have current residuals of hepatitis and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current hepatitis C to his service, including any blood transfusions he claimed occurred during service. The claim for service connection was therefore denied.

The Board found that the veteran's liver disorder, including hepatitis C, is not related to his service.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, finding that it was incurred during service. The veteran had hepatitis during his military service and current hepatitis C is linked to this history.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for VA pension purposes, as they are not severe enough to prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for further examination and review of his medical records.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected Hepatitis A does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the revised Diagnostic Code 7345, as there was no evidence of incapacitating episodes or anorexia.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was incurred as a result of intravenous drug use, which is not service-connected due to willful misconduct. The claim for hepatitis B remains unresolved and requires further examination.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal as he withdrew his claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for a left knee disorder prior to the issuance of a decision.

The Board granted a rating of 100 percent for hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver prior to July 2, 2001 and a rating greater than 60 percent from July 2, 2001. The veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy, and thyroid disorder are found to be proximately due to or the result of service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for hepatitis C, which was previously denied in 1997. The veteran now asserts he developed hepatitis during his military service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran incurred chronic hepatitis C infection in wartime service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The VA granted the veteran a 10 percent rating for hepatitis C, effective from January 3, 2000.

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

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of hepatitis B and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of hepatitis B during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to potential risk factors and lack of discussion in the May 2003 VA examination report.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence being submitted after a hearing, and this evidence must be reviewed by the RO before any final decision is made.

The veteran's infectious hepatitis was granted a 60 percent evaluation before July 2, 2001 and a 100 percent evaluation from July 2, 2001.