Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's death was caused by cirrhosis of the liver, which is not alcohol-related. The Board found that his use of pain medication for service-connected disabilities contributed to his liver failure and granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hepatitis C. The Board finds that further development is needed, including a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current or recent hepatitis C.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hepatitis C, which he claims was caused by a blood transfusion during his military service. The Board has determined that additional records are needed to fully evaluate the claim.

The Veteran's adult helpless child, D.S.R., is receiving $37 in apportionment benefits. The Board has determined that an additional $50 per month would not cause undue hardship on the Veteran and grants a $50 increase in his apportionment.

The Board previously denied service connection for hepatitis C, but the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) vacated this decision and remanded it back to the Board for further development. The Veteran claims his hepatitis C is related to in-service cold symptoms, sharing of razor blades, and cleaning up blood after a failed suicide attempt by a fellow serviceman in September 1977.

The Board found no evidence of chronic hepatitis C symptoms during service or continuous symptoms since separation, and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, bilateral knee disorder, back disorder, and eye disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and obtaining recent medical records.

The Veteran's hepatitis C, post-transfusion, was manifested by right upper quadrant discomfort, no food intolerance, occasional nausea, no vomiting, no significant abdominal pain, no anorexia, no malaise, no weight loss, and normal liver function test findings. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that VA did not fail to timely diagnose the Veteran's non-alcoholic cirrhosis, and thus denied the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's hepatitis C, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder have been granted increased ratings. The hepatitis C is rated at 40 percent disabling, the psychiatric disorders are rated at 30 percent each.

The Veteran's digestive system disability, including hepatitis with possible early cirrhosis and history of leukocytoclistic vasculitis with polyarthralgia, Raynaud's phenomenon, pancreatitis, cholelithiasis (gallstones), and cholecystectomy, is rated at 60 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for hepatitis C, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied as there is no credible medical evidence linking the current condition to his in-service risk factors.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, finding that there are no current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled hearing and because of issues raised by the Veteran regarding treatment from his representative. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hepatitis C and traumatic brachial plexopathy of the left shoulder have been denied as there is no evidence that his conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of hepatitis C, and thus the Veteran's claim for service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, hepatitis C, and a psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The VA will provide appropriate examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for consideration of a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to August 30, 2005. The issue will be reconsidered in light of new evidence and the impact of hepatitis C.