Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's medical records and provide him with proper VCAA notice.

The Board has ordered additional VA examinations and requested medical records to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C and peripheral neuropathy, as well as any aggravation by service-connected PTSD. The case is being remanded for these actions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis, heart disease, and hypertension. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of his hepatitis C and traumatic brachial plexopathy.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for further evaluation of the Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a rescheduled hearing. The appeal is not yet decided on its merits.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to clarify the date of onset and cause of the Veteran's hepatitis C, as well as determine if it was related to in-service exposure or other aspects of his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C and finds that there is sufficient lay and medical evidence to support a causal link between the Veteran's military service and his current condition. As such, the claim is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied service connection for hepatitis C and diabetes. Service connection was established for PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor, but the claims of service connection for hepatitis C and diabetes were not supported by evidence showing an in-service event or disease.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have hepatitis C related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate explanation of why a VA examination or medical opinion was not necessary, and because there are lay assertions indicating that the Veteran's hepatitis C may be associated with service. The case is now being sent back for further evaluation.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is related to his period of active military service and the claim for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hepatitis C or HIV related to his military service and therefore denied these claims. The termination of compensation payments due to the Veteran being a fugitive felon was also found to be improper.

The Board has remanded the case due to incorrect address for a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). The Veteran's claims for PTSD and hepatitis C service connection are pending.

The Board found that hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by military service and denied the claim. For hepatitis C, the Board noted it was diagnosed after service but acknowledged new evidence had reopened the claim, leading to a denial.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board finds that hepatitis C is etiologically related to service, and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C, finding that his current condition is related to in-service risk factors.