Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2006

The veteran's appeal is for an initial disability rating greater than 40 percent for hepatitis C. The RO has requested additional development, including obtaining outpatient treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected hepatitis C, effective from the date of receipt of the original claim. The veteran's hepatitis C is manifested by daily fatigue and nausea, hepatomegaly, and minor weight loss with no evidence of malnutrition or incapacitating episodes.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have PTSD and denied all other service connection claims. The reasons for denial are provided in the decision summary.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in service and denied his claim. The issue of PTSD is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of whether the veteran is entitled to a higher rating for hepatitis C based on sequelae (cirrhosis of the liver).

The Board found no evidence of service connection for multiple sclerosis or hepatitis C with cirrhosis, and denied both claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of injury to fingers of his right hand and hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or exposure to risk factors for hepatitis C.

The Board found that there was no evidence linking the veteran's cause of death, cirrhosis of the liver and renal failure, to his service or exposure to herbicides. The Board concluded that the appellant did not meet the requirements for presumptive service connection due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for tinea pedis. The appeal was reopened on new evidence, but no rating was assigned as there is no current disability.

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

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for hepatitis C, effective from the date of the grant of service connection.

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

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding that the veteran's current hepatitis C is attributable to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records.

The Board has granted the claim of service connection for Hepatitis C, finding that the veteran's current diagnosis is related to exposure during service and resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus, right foot injury residuals, left 3rd metatarsal fracture residuals, and cardiac disorder are all related to service. However, hepatitis B is not considered a current disability as there is no evidence of an active infection or associated disability. Asbestos exposure is also not considered a current disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was incurred during service and is not related to any pre-existing condition. The disease is considered chronic, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diagnosed hepatitis C is not linked to any in-service risk factor and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the veteran's hepatitis C is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a blood transfusion during service and denied his claim for hepatitis C as it was not incurred in or aggravated by service.