Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2005

The Board denied service connection for a liver disorder, including hepatitis, finding no current diagnosis of hepatitis and no evidence linking cirrhosis to service.

The veteran's appeal regarding the zero percent disability rating for his service-connected hepatitis B is being remanded due to a hearing issue. The claim will be reconsidered by the RO.

The veteran's service-connected digestive disorder (duodenal ulcer and schistosomiasis with a history of liver cirrhosis) was rated at 30 percent prior to March 4, 2003, and increased to 40 percent on and after that date. The claim for an increased rating is denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent.

The veteran's case has been remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. The issues of increased rating for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and service connection for hepatitis C are still under review.

The Board has determined that the veteran's renal failure is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected hepatitis B, and thus grants service connection for renal failure on a secondary basis.

The VA determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C, with liver cirrhosis and splenomegaly, warrants a 10 percent evaluation based on its asymptomatic nature. The appeal is granted.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have current residuals of hepatitis B and therefore denied his claim for a compensable rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for hepatitis C and chronic myelogenous leukemia, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for hepatitis C and right arm injury to obtain additional medical evidence and provide a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of pneumonia and hepatitis C. However, the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for either condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and a disability claimed as arthritis of multiple joints, including one related to his lumbar spine. The Board found no current diagnosis of arthritis of all joints or systemic arthritis, and concluded that any arthritis is not secondary to hepatitis C.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, Hepatitis C, Right Knee Injury with Arthritis, and Injury to Chin as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's muscle and joint aches and swelling are also found to be related to his service-connected conditions.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected hepatitis C, as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of neuroma of the left foot, multiple lipomas, and hepatitis-C. The RO will now review these claims.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hepatitis C. The RO has remanded the case due to incomplete medical evidence and a need for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hepatitis C is at least as likely as not incurred in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his previously denied claim.