Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2006

The Board finds that the veteran's claimed disabilities, including migraine headaches and fever and cold sweats, were not incurred or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service secondary to herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed PTSD and hepatitis C did not originate in service, and denied both claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for hepatitis and TDIU, finding that there was no evidence of any symptoms or disability related to his service-connected hepatitis.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of hepatitis C and service connection for this condition is denied.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for the residuals of a septoplasty and right inguinal herniorrhaphy, as well as service connection for hepatitis A and tachycardia, are being remanded due to procedural issues. Further development is required including providing proper VCAA notice, obtaining VA examinations, and considering the additional evidence.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence linking the veteran's hepatitis C to his period of service or any event thereof, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the veteran incurred hepatitis C or other liver disease as a result of any event in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current hepatitis C and there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and headaches, finding that the veteran's current conditions were not related to his active military service.

The veteran's hepatitis C is related to service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure proper notice and assistance in the reopening of claims for service connection for PTSD, hepatitis, and a back disorder.

The veteran is seeking service connection for hepatitis C, but the claim has been remanded due to incomplete records and need for a medical opinion regarding a potential blood transfusion during service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back injury and hepatitis C, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or aggravation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of service and character of discharge, obtaining public records related to the appellant's criminal activities, and a medical opinion regarding the likely etiology of his hepatitis C.

The veteran's claims for Hepatitis A, B, and C were denied as there is no current disability. The claim for service connection for chemical dependence and alcohol addiction was also denied due to the veteran's own willful misconduct. The claim for a higher initial evaluation for residuals of hemorrhoidectomy was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastrointestinal hemorrhage, cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C, which caused or contributed to his death, were related to liver and other gastrointestinal abnormalities during service. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's right hip disorder or hepatitis C to his military service, and thus denied both claims. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the veteran's hepatitis C.

The Board found that liver failure, cirrhosis, and chronic alcoholism were not incurred in or aggravated by the veteran's military service. The cause of death was attributed to liver failure due to liver cirrhosis and steatosis due to chronic alcoholism, but this was not considered a service-connected disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for cysts, arthritis of the cervical spine, polyarthritis of hands, knees, elbows, and feet (claimed as rheumatoid arthritis), and hepatitis C have been denied. The veteran is also not entitled to an increased evaluation for his service-connected duodenal ulcer disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA treatment records and unclear notification of evidence needed for all claims.