Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by his service-connected hepatitis C virus infection, which led to hepatocellular carcinoma. The appeal is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C and residuals of Epstein-Barr virus did not originate in service, and denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and VCAA notification issues.

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected hepatitis C does not render him unemployable on its own, and thus denies his claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Hepatitis C, and a growth on the left side of the neck. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and also denied DEA benefits. The decision is final as it was based on evidence that did not show a connection to the veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and increased ratings for hypertension, right knee instability, and right knee limitation of motion were denied. The Board found no evidence to support a current diagnosis of hepatitis C or any link between the veteran's current liver abnormality and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the current nature, extent and severity of the veteran's service-connected hepatitis C disability, including cirrhosis. The AMC will then readjudicate the claim.

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

The Board denied the veteran's son, D., as a helpless child due to his physical and mental disabilities not being permanent at the age of 18. The decision also noted that the veteran's son has been receiving Social Security benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examiner's opinions regarding the etiology of hepatitis C and will need further clarification.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection are being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice and a nexus opinion.

The Board found that the appellant's hepatitis C was due to his own willful misconduct (drug abuse) during service, and therefore denied compensation.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence of hepatitis C or a bilateral eye disorder incurred in service, and thus the veteran's claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board finds that the veteran's hepatitis C is related to his service as a hospital supply clerk, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for liver disease, to include Hepatitis C. However, new medical opinions have not established a direct relationship between the veteran's period of service and his current diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of hepatitis C is etiologically related to an in-service injury where he was stabbed with a hypodermic needle, and thus service connection for hepatitis C is granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection for hepatitis with residuals, also claimed as hepatitis C. The evidence received since the November 1991 rating decision does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran currently does not have a disability due to hepatitis C, and therefore service connection is denied.