Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2005

The VA determined that the veteran's hepatitis A, B, and C does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation as there is no evidence of symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, anorexia, or incapacitating episodes during the past 12-month period.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was initially denied in October 1991, but the RO granted it on a direct basis effective April 15, 2002. The veteran is seeking an earlier effective date.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and glaucoma of the right eye, finding no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The veteran's CREST syndrome is productive of moderate impairment of health, with occasional attacks of blanching or painful hands and esophageal stricture. The RO granted a 60 percent evaluation for the disability.

The Board found that the reduction of the disability evaluation for hepatitis with cirrhosis from 60 to 30 percent was appropriate and supported by the evidence of record.

The veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied.,For the period prior to December 5, 2001, a rating in excess of 10% for hepatitis with leukopenia and fatigue was not met. For the period from December 5, 2001, a rating in excess of 20% was also not met.,The veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is required before a decision can be made on the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C.

The veteran's claims for service connection for liver cancer and hepatitis C were denied, as the evidence did not support a finding of in-service exposure to herbicides or other conditions that would allow for presumptive service connection. The cause of death was determined to be liver cancer, but no service-connected condition contributed significantly to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran was exposed to hepatitis C virus infection during service and her current hepatitis C is related to such exposure, granting service connection for hepatitis C.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C is as likely caused by his in-service tattoo as his pre-service drug use, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's Hepatitis C was not related to his military service and denied his claim.

The veteran's hepatitis C, with ulcerative colitis and anemia, is currently manifested by fatigue, abdominal pain, tremors, difficulty gaining weight, headaches, frequent bowel movements, and depression. The Board found that these symptoms are sufficient to meet the criteria for a 60 percent rating under the criteria in effect prior to July 2001 but not warranting a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), was denied. The VA found that the veteran does not have PTSD and his major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are related to service.,The veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was granted. It is presumed due to Agent Orange exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a liver disability due to infectious hepatitis or other disease or injury incurred in service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board found that Hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the claim. The issue of PTSD is pending as it involves a new and material evidence claim.

The veteran is seeking service connection for various disabilities he claims are related to his active military service, including radiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease. The appeal involves issues regarding the reopening of a claim and the establishment of service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected hepatitis residuals do not warrant a compensable evaluation, as there are no current symptoms associated with the condition.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling, and thus is not entitled to special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability rating for type II diabetes mellitus, service connection for coronary artery disease, residuals of hepatitis A, and prostate condition. The RO previously granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus but did not address the other issues in this decision.