Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2005

The veteran's hepatitis B has been rated as 30 percent disabling since January 15, 1998. The Board finds that the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B and an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The VA found no current diagnosis of Hepatitis B, and there was insufficient evidence to support a compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding no evidence of their onset during or as a result of military service.

The veteran's appeals for an earlier effective date for the award of a 100 percent schedular evaluation for undifferentiated schizophrenia, TDIU prior to that date, and increased ratings for hiatal hernia and hepatitis were denied. The veteran also appealed service connection for PTSD and tinnitus but no SOC was issued.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also being considered for a chronic prostate disorder, but further examination is needed to determine the exact condition.

The Board found that the veteran did not have hepatitis C incurred or aggravated in service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his liver condition and exposure to herbicides or other environmental factors during service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected hepatitis B does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under either the old or new VA regulations, and thus denied his claim.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) denied the veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C, finding that it was more likely due to his own willful misconduct and not related to military service.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, a low back disability, and hepatitis C. The claim of service connection for a left knee disability is pending.

Your appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Board hearing. The issues of service connection for various conditions are still under review.

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C resulted from his own willful misconduct (intravenous drug use) and therefore, service connection is not granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for Lyme disease was denied. His claims for increased ratings for IBS and hepatitis C, as well as his claim for a compensable evaluation for prostatitis with benign hyperplasia were granted.,The veteran is not entitled to service connection for post-vasectomy residuals.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C was likely due to substance abuse during service, and thus denied his claim for direct service connection.

The RO has granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and hearing loss in the left ear, but denied all other issues on appeal. The case is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis and determined that new evidence submitted since the final denial supports this claim. The Board found that the veteran had a current diagnosis of hepatitis C, which is etiologically related to his history of IV drug abuse during service.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the cause of the veteran's hepatitis C, including whether it is related to service or vaccinations received during his military service. The case will be returned for further consideration.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for hepatitis C and adjustment disorder are being remanded due to the need for further evidentiary development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not have hepatitis B during service and does not currently have a diagnosis of hepatitis B. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.