Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and initial compensable evaluations are being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence linking the condition to his time in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was incurred during his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date prior to August 13, 2003 for a 100 percent disability rating for chronic brain injury and for service connection of hepatitis C. The veteran was granted a 20 percent initial disability rating for his hepatitis C.,The veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected conditions were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total rating for nonservice-connected pension purposes is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of all his disabilities, including those not related to willful misconduct.

The Board found that the veteran does not have hepatitis C related to his service and denied the claim.

The VA determined that the veteran's currently diagnosed hepatitis C is not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and other procedural issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hepatitis B and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine, left shoulder, left arm, and left hand disabilities. The claim for hepatitis C was not addressed as it is unclear if it was related to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and compensation benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 based on VA gallbladder surgery and treatment in 2002 and 2003 are being remanded to the RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for residuals of tuberculosis and service connection for Hepatitis C, finding no evidence of active disease or residual symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and PTSD. For hepatitis C, the evidence did not establish a link between current symptoms and an in-service risk factor. For PTSD, there was no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus with nephropathy. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for hepatitis C and liver problems is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board found that the veteran does not have hepatitis C attributable to service, including as due to exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C is not service-connected, as it was likely caused by his post-service drug abuse.

The Board found that the appellant's hepatitis C and lymph node removal were not related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims of hepatitis C and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD (claimed as bipolar disorder).

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C, which was incurred in service and is considered a direct service connection, contributed to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board finds that the veteran has additional disability of hepatitis C caused by VA hospitalization or medical or surgical treatment of blood transfusion during radical prostatectomy in March 1990, and grants compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.