Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2005

For the period from January 27, 2000, to April 30, 2002, the veteran's service-connected multiple GI adhesions of the small bowel were manifested by moderate liver damage and disabling gastrointestinal disturbances without evidence of more than moderately severe adhesions with partial obstruction.,For the period from May 1, 2002, to present, the veteran's service-connected multiple GI adhesions of the small bowel were manifested by moderate liver damage and disabling gastrointestinal disturbances without evidence of more than moderately severe adhesions with partial obstruction.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, a back injury, hepatitis C, and hypertension and heart condition. The Board found no evidence that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case to allow for a VA physician with an epidemiology background to review the veteran's medical history and provide an opinion regarding his hepatitis C diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current liver findings are likely as not due to an episode of hepatitis during service, and thus grants service connection for the residuals of hepatitis.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and finds that the veteran's diabetes mellitus is secondary to his hepatitis C. The issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus as secondary to hepatitis C is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a VA physician with information to determine if the veteran's fatal Hepatitis C and liver cancer were service-connected. The claims for accrued benefits will also be adjudicated on the basis of evidence available at the time of the veteran's death.

The veteran's hepatitis and dermatitis have been rated based on their current manifestations, but no compensable evaluations are warranted.,A 10 percent rating for dermatitis is granted due to intermittent itching involving an exposed area.

The Board finds that the veteran's prostate cancer is not related to his military service and denied his claim. The VA examiner concluded there was no residual from the hepatitis suffered in service, but did not consider all relevant medical evidence. Therefore, a new examination is needed to determine if the veteran has any current hepatitis and whether it is linked to his in-service episode of hepatitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and a need for further examination.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis C and nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded to the RO for further action.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred or aggravated during his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory condition due to asbestos exposure and for an undiagnosed illness manifested by fluctuating weight loss, joint/muscle complaints, hepatitis, rickettsia, leishmania or chronic viral infections. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board found no evidence of hepatitis in service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine if the veteran's hepatitis C is related to his military service, specifically in-service immunization shots and animal bites or scratches. The examiner will also need to identify which risk factor is most likely responsible for the veteran's hepatitis C.

The Board found no evidence of current right ear hearing loss or tinnitus related to service, and denied the claims for these conditions.,There is no evidence of Hepatitis C in service. The veteran's diagnosis was made many years after service, and the claim was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C and additional disability to the right knee due to VA right knee surgery in May 1984, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to the surgery.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C is not associated with his active military service and finds that it was likely caused by his history of intravenous drug use after service. As a result, the claim for service connection for hepatitis C is denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's hepatitis C has been service-connected and assigned a 10 percent evaluation since July 10, 2001. The condition is currently manifested by intermittent fatigue and an occasional rash without incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest or treatment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sun damaged skin and chronic dermatitis of the hands and feet, claimed as undiagnosed illness; residuals of posttraumatic lumbar syndrome and bilateral sacralization of L5; and Hepatitis A. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for primary biliary cirrhosis, finding no evidence linking his condition to his active military service or presumed exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange.