Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis and neck disability were denied as new and material evidence was not received. The claim for lumbosacral strain had its rating reduced, but the Veteran is still entitled to a higher rating from July 27, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C and an initial compensable disability rating for left great toe onychomycosis and ingrown toenail have not been met, as there is no evidence of a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board granted service connection for vertigo/Meniere's disease, hypertension, and hepatitis C. The claims were remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis, hypertension, and vision loss due to incomplete records. The Veteran's treatment records from VA facilities in Puerto Rico and Japan are needed, as well as any related union payment records.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence showing an in-service event or injury to which the current diagnosis of hepatitis C may be related, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing at the Cleveland, Ohio RO due to her inability to appear on the originally scheduled Board hearing.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that multiple myeloma is a radiogenic disease and presumed to be related to radiation exposure in service. However, the Board concluded that multiple myeloma was not a principal or contributory cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board finds that the current medical evidence is inadequate to determine whether the Veteran's disability rating for infectious hepatitis should be increased or if his major depressive disorder is secondary to service-connected infectious hepatitis. Therefore, a new VA examination and opinion are needed.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing at the Atlanta, Georgia Regional Office.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was incurred in service due to blood transfusions received during a hospitalization for knife stab wounds, and the Board finds that all elements for service connection have been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's jaundice/residuals of hepatitis C, status post liver transplant, are etiologically related to service and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in service, but the Board granted service connection for PTSD based on credible supporting evidence of a stressor during his military service.

The Board has determined that service connection for a hepatitis C infection is denied due to the late onset of symptoms and lack of evidence linking it to active service. The claim for PTSD remains pending as an additional examination is required.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded due to his request for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues are related to service connection for various conditions, including congestive heart failure and chest pain, cirrhosis of the liver, and an undiagnosed illness involving gastrointestinal symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis B, finding that the Veteran was exposed to risk factors in service and contracting the condition during his active duty.,For squamous cell carcinoma, the Board found that while not a presumptive disease related to Agent Orange exposure, the evidence supports a direct link between the Veteran's service and the development of this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C began during his period of active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for schizophrenia and hepatitis C, but not for other conditions. The Veteran's schizophrenia is now considered a reopened claim, while his hepatitis C remains in its final denial stage.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis B with liver failure and kidney failure, end-stage renal disease are service-connected as they were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus contributed substantially or materially to his death, and thus grants the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.