Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2005

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for consideration of the claim in light of additional evidence received, including a medical opinion and FDA materials. The veteran was provided an opportunity to submit additional evidence and respond to it.

The veteran's claims are being remanded for further development, including a medical examination to assess the impact of his disabilities on employment and to determine if they are related to service.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's Hepatitis C is related to his period of service and granted the claim for service connection.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected INH-induced hepatitis and gastroesophageal reflux with duodenitis do not warrant a higher disability rating, as their manifestations are primarily mild and well-managed.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and hepatitis B and C. The claim for a low back disorder was denied as there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that led to current disability, and the RO found that any current condition is not related to military service. For hepatitis B and C, the Board noted the absence of medical evidence linking the conditions to service despite the veteran's assertions about potential risk factors such as a bite to his right ear during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his right leg fracture and to reopen his claim of hepatitis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation or new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting a VA examination to determine if the veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service personal assault and whether hepatitis C is related to service.

The Board found no evidence of current cirrhosis or hepatitis C, and denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not suffer from current chronic disability related to any venereal disease during service, and therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

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

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the veteran did not file a timely substantive appeal regarding the April 20, 2002 rating decision.

The veteran's initial rating for his left foot fracture was denied, and a higher rating of 30% is granted starting February 1, 2002. Service connection for PTSD remains denied. The claim for service connection on the secondary basis for the left knee disability has been reopened.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder including post-traumatic stress disorder and hepatitis. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service disease or injury, nor is there sufficient continuity of symptomatology to establish a current disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of hepatitis C is not related to his time in service, and thus service connection for hepatitis C is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of in-country Vietnam service and thus no presumption of exposure to Agent Orange. The Board also found no current medical evidence linking these conditions to service.