Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2005

The veteran's hepatitis B has been rated as 10 percent disabling since June 7, 2000. Prior to that date, the evidence supports a 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis for each claimed condition and there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service. Therefore, service connection is denied for all claims.

The veteran's hepatitis B was initially rated at 10 percent prior to July 2, 2001 and at 30 percent beginning July 2, 2001. The appeal is for an increased evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred or aggravated during service and there is no competent medical evidence linking it to military service. The claim for secondary service connection for hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and osteoarthritis due to multiple chemical exposure is also denied.

The VA has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's Hepatitis C is not shown during military service or for many years after service, and the overall competent medical evidence does not show that his Hepatitis C is etiologically related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis, thus denying the reopening of the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic hepatitis B was incurred during his active service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The veteran's hepatitis C and gastrointestinal disorder claims have been denied as they are not shown to be related to his military service or the Persian Gulf War.

The veteran's hepatitis C was granted service connection, and his disability rating for the condition is now at 20 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for end stage liver disease and cirrhosis, as well as elevated triglycerides, are pending.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions, including Paget's disease, Hepatitis, and a skin disability, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and military service.

The Board denied the veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for a right eye disorder and liver damage due to hepatitis C, finding that new evidence submitted since the prior denials was not material.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C and Helicobacter Pylori due to a need for further medical examination, as well as additional evidence from the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis B and C, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hepatitis, and seizure disorder. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD, tinnitus, or hepatitis C as a result of his period of service. The evidence did not establish an in-service stressor for PTSD and there is no credible supporting evidence to link current symptoms to any in-service event.

The veteran's service-connected hepatitis C is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.