Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's death was caused by hepatitis C, which is service-connected. The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is moot due to the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current functional limitations.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C is being reconsidered on its merits.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C is rated at 20 percent, which approximates the criteria for daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia (without weight loss or hepatomegaly), requiring dietary restriction or continuous medication.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim of being a helpless child for VA dependency and indemnity compensation, including service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to lack of evidence showing she was permanently incapable of self-support prior to age 18.

The Board has determined that the Veteran timely filed a substantive appeal, and thus the claim of service connection for hepatitis C is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hepatitis C was denied as the evidence did not show daily fatigue, malaise, anorexia, weight loss or hepatomegaly, or; incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks, but less than six weeks, during the past 12-month period.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for hepatitis C, and thus the claim is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran did not innocently acquire hepatitis C infection during active service and denied claims for service connection for chronic renal failure, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. The evidence showed no direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current chronic viral hepatitis disability, or residuals of hepatitis, for which service connection may be established.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as a need for further examination regarding the Veteran's HIV.

The Board denied the Veteran's service connection claim for hepatitis C as there was no evidence of a current disability, and the medical evidence did not establish a link between his in-service exposure to high risk factors and his post-service diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hepatitis C with cirrhosis is related to his military service or exposure to herbicides. The Veteran contends that he was exposed to blood during service and later developed hepatitis C.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for hepatitis C due to outstanding VA and Vet Center medical records, as well as clarification of risk factors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, and he was assigned a rating of 30 percent for his PTSD. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have sleep apnea or hepatitis C due to service, but he does have tinnitus, headaches, anxiety disorder, depression disorder, lower back disorder, upper back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral hand disorders related to service.

The Veteran's hepatitis B, hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gallstones have been granted service connection. The initial rating for hepatitis B has been increased to 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis B and C, including jaundice as a manifestation thereof, are related to his military service. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and a hydrocele due to potential service connection issues, including the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board found that the severance of service connection for Hepatitis C and Major Depressive Disorder was improper, as there is no evidence to support a finding of clear and unmistakable error in the original grant of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for readjudication of the claim of service connection for cryoglobinemia, hepatitis C, and kidney complications for accrued benefits purposes. If granted, the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death will be readjudicated.