Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C with cirrhosis, finding no competent evidence linking the current condition to service.

The veteran's service-connected hepatitis with bowel obstruction, cholecystectomy, and pancreatitis does not render him unemployable due to his disability alone.

The Board denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for hepatitis, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion on the etiology of his condition.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma of the liver are not related to his military service, as they were likely caused by intravenous drug use during his time in service.

The veteran's hepatitis A, B, and C have been granted service connection, but the evaluation remains noncompensable. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess current severity.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hepatitis C and right ulnar neuropathy, do not render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to a permanent and total disability rating for pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for proper notification, additional medical evidence, and an updated VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver were not incurred in service, as they are more likely due to his own intravenous drug use during service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is on appeal.,The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 50 percent evaluation of PTSD is on appeal.,The veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C is on appeal.,The veteran's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a stomach disorder due to VA surgery in April 1992 is on appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C is currently asymptomatic and not productive of any compensable symptoms, thus denying a compensable rating for the condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his TDIU rating, finding that September 14, 1999 was the earliest date of factually ascertainable increase in disability due to his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, reopening the claim based on new and material evidence. The immediate cause of death was listed as congestive heart failure with cirrhosis of the liver and Hepatitis C as contributing conditions.

The Board found no evidence linking hepatitis C, depression, or cervical spine degenerative disc disease to service and denied the claims.

The Board found no evidence of hepatitis C during service or for many years afterward, and it is not etiologically related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's Hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development of evidence, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for hepatitis C and COPD secondary to asbestos exposure due to incomplete development of the record, including obtaining treatment records from VA Medical Center in Temple, Texas, and a private hospital. The RO is also instructed to secure medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's claimed conditions.

The VA denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C, finding no credible medical opinion linking his currently diagnosed condition to service or any incident of service.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hepatitis C and compensation under the 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to VA treatment following service. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the veteran's hepatitis C.