Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the veteran's claim of hepatitis C being related to service, and thus denied the claim.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of whether new and material evidence was received to reopen a claim for hepatitis. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to consider this matter.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for hepatitis-c and hypertension, finding that new evidence supports a link between his current conditions and service. However, further development is needed to address whether hypertension is secondary to hepatitis-c.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a service connection claim for hepatitis-B or hemorrhoids. The veteran's claims are denied.

The Board found that the appellant's back disability, hepatitis C, and PTSD were not incurred or aggravated during service. The current diagnoses are not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and hepatitis. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The veteran's asthma is rated at 60 percent effective September 4, 2003.,Prior to July 4, 2002, the veteran was not entitled to a higher evaluation for his asthma. From July 4, 2002, he is now rated at 60 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hepatitis C is not related to his military service, specifically the episode of hepatitis A he had in service. The appeal is denied.

The Board has decided that the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and a right hand condition, to include Raynaud's phenomenon, must be remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied as there is no clinical diagnosis of the condition. The claims for foot disability and hearing loss are addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and the need for a medical opinion regarding the veteran's depression claim. The issues of PTSD and hepatitis C are also pending.

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

The Board found no current skin disorder, to include toenail fungus, and denied service connection for this condition. The veteran's hepatitis C was diagnosed in 2002 at VA, but the RO must obtain all relevant medical records before adjudicating his claim. Regarding the left shoulder disorder, the examiner should determine if it is related to an injury sustained during service.

The veteran's service connection claim for missing tooth number 5 due to trauma in service is granted. The other issues remain pending or are denied.

The Board found that the veteran did not contract hepatitis C as a result of a blood transfusion performed by VA in May 1992, and thus denied his claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis C has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hepatitis C, and a dental condition. The evidence did not support these claims.

The veteran's hepatitis C and intervertebral disc syndrome were not found to be service-connected, and the increased rating for his back disability was denied.

The veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional disability claimed to have resulted from VA medical treatment, specifically the prescription of valproic acid for his service-connected psychiatric symptoms in early August 1996.

The Board found no evidence of hepatitis C in service or for many years thereafter, and concluded that the veteran's current hepatitis C is not related to his military service.