Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C virus (HCV). The Veteran's current diagnosis of HCV is supported by recent lab reports and prison medical records, and there is a possibility that it may be linked to air-gun inoculations. However, further development is needed to confirm the etiology of the condition.

The Veteran's autoimmune hepatitis is linked to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claim of service connection for a stomach disorder due to herbicide exposure remains pending.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C as a result of treatment at a VA medical facility in 1956. The case is being remanded to obtain additional records and determine the cause of his current diagnosis.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues: a request for an increased rating for hepatitis C and a claim for TDIU based on the disability. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, arrange for a VA examination, and adjudicate both claims.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the Board finds no evidence linking his death to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently have Hepatitis A, B, or C and there is no evidence of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected hepatitis C was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7354, as there were no findings of daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia requiring dietary restriction or continuous medication.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim for service connection for chronic hepatitis and/or residuals of hepatitis, but remands the case for further development.

The Board found that there is no medical evidence linking the Veteran's current hepatitis C to his military service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development including VA examinations and the provision of updated medical records. The issues are service connection for hepatitis C and an initial increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by end stage cirrhosis of the liver, which is related to hepatitis C. The Board finds that the Veteran received a blood transfusion during service and this likely contributed to his development of hepatitis C, leading to his death.

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's current hepatitis C diagnosis and his military service, including an alleged in-service tattoo that became infected. The preponderance of evidence is against the claim.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to her period of active service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and hepatitis C are not related to his active service.,However, the Veteran's right foot disability is considered incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for clarification of risk factors and a new medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and increased the Veteran's disability rating for left eye maculopathy with headaches and blurred vision to 20 percent effective from May 20, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD.,Service connection was also denied for hepatitis C and degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining VA medical records and providing the Veteran with a statement of the case on the claim for service connection for hepatitis A and B.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues: whether new and material evidence has been presented to reopen a claim of service connection for infectious hepatitis (now identified as hepatitis A), and his entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records from 1985 and 2007, scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the appellant's liver disability, and providing VCAA notice regarding service connection on a secondary basis.