Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2009

The VA determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it is asymptomatic and does not cause fatigue, malaise, or anorexia.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver were not service-connected, and his cause of death was attributed to drug and alcohol abuse.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and depression, finding that there was no evidence of chronic disability during or after service and no medical opinion linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied as there is no evidence of its occurrence during service or due to a service-connected disability. The issue of entitlement to special home adaptation grant has also been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for hepatitis and a back disorder have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B and hepatitis C, finding no current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, sleep disturbance (secondary to PTSD), and hypertension. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is a result of his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claims for residuals of hepatitis B and psychiatric disability. The Veteran's current diagnoses do not align with the previously denied conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations. Service connection will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis C and liver disease has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right inguinal hernia scar and recurrent hernias. The appeal is based on new evidence submitted after reopening of a previously denied claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate disorder, skin disorder, erectile dysfunction, and hepatitis C were not incurred in or aggravated by service, including due to Agent Orange exposure. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

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

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and medical opinions regarding both theories of entitlement: service connection based on secondary effects of prescribed medication, and DIC claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance has been granted due to his service-connected disabilities, which include hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy and probable old myocardial infarction, depression with cognitive disorder associated with residuals of cerebrovascular accident, prostate cancer with impotence, dermatitis breast and arms, history of hepatitis, and residuals of cerebrovascular accident with right upper extremity hand weakness. The Veteran requires assistance in performing daily activities due to his disabilities.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD, hepatitis C, and a skin disorder due to lack of new and material evidence for PTSD. The appellant's discharge was found to be due to willful and persistent misconduct, which precludes payment of VA benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of his condition.