Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the loss of his service treatment records.

The Board found no evidence to support a relationship between the Veteran's currently diagnosed Hepatitis C and his military service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for cirrhosis of the liver, which he contends is related to his diabetes mellitus or herbicide exposure. The Board has ordered remand due to incomplete development and lack of medical opinion.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor, the condition was incurred during military service. The decision is based on new supporting medical opinions from VA physicians and other evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for hepatitis C with liver cirrhosis and granted it. The cause of death is being addressed in a separate remand.

For the period from November 3, 2003 to October 31, 2004, the Veteran's hepatitis C was manifested by daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia with substantial weight loss (or other indication of malnutrition), warranting a 60 percent initial rating. From November 1, 2004, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the Appellant's discharge was under dishonorable conditions due to willful and persistent misconduct, which bars VA disability compensation. The claim for service connection for hepatitis C is denied as a matter of law.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus and hepatitis C have been granted, effective September 5, 2007. The Board is taking action favorable to the Veteran by granting these claims.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for extra-schedular consideration due to his service-connected disabilities, which render him unable to work.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B and lung disease have been denied. His hypertension claim is not established as a separate issue.

The RO granted full compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C infection, which represents the resolution of the Veteran's appeal.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and hepatitis C. The Veteran's pre-existing right knee condition is not shown to have been aggravated during his active duty, and there is no evidence of record showing that his current hepatitis C was incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis, including hepatitis B and C, based on direct evidence of a link to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is etiologically related to his active service, specifically high-risk sexual activity documented during service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's psoriasis is service-connected, and the liver disease is also service-connected as secondary to Methotrexate used for psoriasis treatment.,The primary cause of death was advanced cirrhosis due to a service-connected liver disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his military service, as it was likely caused by intravenous drug use during service. As a result, the claim for service connection for hepatitis C is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of this decision.