Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2004

The veteran is seeking compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C, which he claims resulted from a blood transfusion during VA surgery in June 1992. The case has been remanded to determine if the veteran's current condition is due to carelessness, negligence, or fault on the part of VA.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's exposure to hepatitis C during his military service is directly related to his current condition, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder and an increased initial rating for infectious hepatitis type A. The evidence did not show a nexus between the claimed disorders and active service, and the current medical evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, and cancer of the liver, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service or exposure to herbicides. The Board concluded that the appellant must present medical evidence establishing a nexus between the veteran's hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, and/or liver cancer and his exposure to herbicides.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C infection, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the veteran contracted the condition during his military service. The claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the veteran for VA examinations to determine his hepatitis C condition and whether he can work due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C, chronic fatigue, and pilonidal cysts. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military duty.

The veteran's hepatitis C, liver damage, and skin disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found no evidence of a neurological disorder during service and the veteran does not have one now. Depression was also not shown to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was incurred during active service, and his posttraumatic stress disorder is currently rated as it should be. The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and Raynaud's disease, finding no evidence of in-service occurrence or nexus to military service. The claim for PTSD was remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims, including verifying stressor events for PTSD and obtaining medical records related to his hypertension.

The Board has received notification from the appellant that they wish to withdraw their appeal, leading to its dismissal.

The Board has determined that a VA medical review of the veteran's claims file and an opinion addressing the nature and etiology of his cirrhosis is necessary. The case is being remanded to ensure all relevant VA medical records are obtained.

The Board denied service connection for nicotine dependence and a higher initial evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder. The issues of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C remain in appellate status.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of the issues related to service connection for hepatitis C, including severance, evaluation, and effective date.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a change in law and the need to provide proper VCAA notifications.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural deficiencies and the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding whether hepatitis C is related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, hypertension, cardiomyopathy with history of congestive heart failure, and PTSD. The Board found that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver, finding that both conditions are due to drug abuse.

The veteran's claims for service connection for tuberculosis, hepatitis-C, hypertension, and residuals of a left eye injury have all been denied as there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.