Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's chronic hepatitis was granted a disability rating of 40 percent, effective February 11, 2005.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 30 percent for the period of initial rating appeal from January 31, 2001, and a total rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) was granted for the period from June 27, 2002, to May 6, 2003.

The appeal is remanded to obtain SSA records and confirm the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors related to fires aboard his ship, as well as for a VA examination regarding mental health conditions.

The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his amyloidosis was causally related to his exposure to Agent Orange in service and contributed to his death. The claims for accrued benefits and improved death pension were denied as a matter of law.

The appeal was remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing for the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis has been manifested by incapacitating episodes having duration of at least six weeks during a 12-month period with symptoms of fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, arthralgia, and right upper quadrant pain; near-constant debilitating symptoms have not been shown.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his military service and his current diagnosis.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence related to the Veteran's claim for disability benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C, claimed as a result of VA medical treatment.

The appeal is remanded for further development and an examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of the claimed hepatitis C.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for liver disease, including hepatitis C, as there was no additional disability caused by VA treatment with Zocor.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis as there is no medical evidence of a current diagnosis of hepatitis or residuals since his separation from service.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability, and denied the claims for service connection for hepatitis and liver scarring.

The veteran's hepatitis C is service-connected due to a verified in-service exposure risk factor.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding no evidence of the condition during service and noting a 34-year gap between discharge and diagnosis.

The Veteran does not have hepatitis or tuberculosis as a result of his active military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for Hepatitis C, hypertension, osteoarthritis of the lower extremities, a lung disorder to include asbestosis, and a vision disorder.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing as requested by the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C as it was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and there is no evidence of exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board granted service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease, status post total knee replacement, but denied service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease, bilateral foot condition (jungle rot), and hepatitis C.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with cirrhosis was not shown to have been present during service, nor is it shown to be related to any in-service occurrence or event.