Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2007

The veteran's hearing loss and hepatitis C are found to be service-connected. The veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder and shoulder injury claim is pending further development.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis B and there is no link between this condition and service. The claim for service connection for hepatitis B is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is denied as there is no credible evidence to support his contention of in-service exposure and he does not have a history of intravenous drug use.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for Hepatitis C, as the veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for hepatitis C before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current Hepatitis C had its origin in service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating based on weight loss or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and a psychiatric disability, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was incurred during his active military service.

The Board granted increased disability ratings for the veteran's service-connected hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma, with a 20 percent rating assigned for hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for high blood pressure and hepatitis C have been denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability during his period of active service, continuity of symptomatology after such period, or medical evidence associating current diagnoses to service.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disabilities, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C and service connection for osteoporosis and recurrent edema, finding that there was no evidence of VA negligence or fault in causing these conditions.

The Board finds that the veteran's hepatitis C is etiologically related to his military service, specifically his injuries sustained during combat in Vietnam. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed hemorrhoids and hepatitis are not related to service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral leg conditions, hepatitis C, and tinnitus. The veteran's current diagnoses of hepatitis C are not related to his military service, and the right knee condition is considered a direct result of in-service injuries.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the veteran did not have a current disability and there was no medical evidence linking his current condition to his period of service.

The Board has determined that the preponderance of the evidence is against the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, lumbosacral strain, cellulitis of the legs, and generalized anxiety disorder.,There is no competent medical evidence linking any of these conditions to service.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected hepatitis B does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as there is no evidence of current hepatitis B or residuals.