Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of hepatitis C, status post liver transplant is being remanded due to procedural defects in the VCAA notification.

The Board has determined that a higher initial rating of 20 percent is warranted for hepatitis C beginning February 2, 2006. A higher initial rating prior to this date is denied.

The veteran's request for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to his inability to attend a scheduled videoconference hearing. He will be rescheduled for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C warrants a 30 percent rating for the period from October 5, 2001 through September 6, 2002.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and hepatitis were denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for fibromyalgia was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of death, finding that no service-connected disability caused or contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current Hepatitis B is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's varicose veins are related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection is granted. However, there is no evidence of current hepatitis or its residuals.

The veteran's claims for hepatitis A, skin disability secondary to Agent Orange exposure, and dental and gum disorders secondary to Agent Orange exposure were denied as there is no current evidence of a service-connected condition.

The Board found that the veteran's current Hepatitis C was not incurred during his active military service and is not related to any in-service exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and his claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for hepatitis C with cirrhosis is dismissed without prejudice.

The veteran withdrew his appeal before a final decision was made, resulting in the case being dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for a medical opinion regarding the cause of death, including heart disease and hepatitis C.

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

The Board finds that the veteran has PTSD as a result of his in-service stressor and grants service connection for this condition. However, there is no evidence to support a finding that the veteran's current hepatitis C is related to his time in service.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have hepatitis or its residuals, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for a thyroid disorder and COPD, but granted service connection for hepatitis C. The veteran's thyroid disorder is not linked to active service or a service-connected condition. Hepatitis C was likely incurred during active military service due to exposure to the virus. COPD is not related to active service.

The veteran's hepatitis C was granted a 10% rating effective January 29, 2003.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis B is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records from Dr. Finley or Dr. Roy.

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