Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2004

The veteran is seeking service connection for Hepatitis C, which he claims was caused by his in-service diagnosis of infectious Hepatitis. The Board has ordered additional medical records to be obtained and a VA examination to determine the current status of his liver condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that it was incurred due to his own intravenous drug use and not related to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, generalized joint stiffness, and a left shoulder disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying exposure to carbon tetrachloride during service.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder due to new and material evidence submitted since the last final denial. The issue of service connection for hepatitis C remains pending.

The veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C and diverticulitis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C is related to his service in Vietnam, where he was exposed to blood products during combat duty. The claim for service connection is granted.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for a withdrawal of the October 2000 decision denying his claim for service connection for Hepatitis C.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C and liver cancer, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C, which he claimed was related to service, did not cause his death. The VA examination report indicated that it was more likely due to drug use in service. Therefore, the service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his cause of death.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that it was more likely than not contracted during illegal drug use in service. The issue of a compensable initial disability rating for foot calluses is referred to the RO.

The veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for Hepatitis C, which he claims was caused by receiving blood during a July 1979 surgical procedure at the Miami VAMC. The VA is directed to obtain all relevant medical records and schedule the veteran for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his Hepatitis C.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and residuals of a right arm injury, finding that there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C, finding that it is not related to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the appellant's previously denied claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death. The veteran died from liver cancer due to cirrhosis, which is not shown to be related to his military service or his service-connected prostatitis.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C was not related to his period of active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The VA has not made a decision on the service connection for hepatitis C, and thus this case is being sent back to the RO for further development.

The Board finds that the veteran's hepatitis C is more likely due to his in-service drug use, specifically intranasal cocaine and intravenous heroin use. As such, service connection for hepatitis C is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.