Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2004

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and opinions regarding the cause of death.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and expanding the record with relevant treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis, finding that new and material evidence supports reopening the claim.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal because she did not file a timely substantive appeal, and her appellate rights expired on March 25, 2003.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for a VA hepatology examination and medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to factual questions regarding the onset of hepatitis C and its risk factors.

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death was cirrhosis of the liver, which is related to his active military service.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the veteran's hepatitis C, effective from the date of the decision. The temporary total rating for convalescence following surgery on his left shoulder disability is also granted.