Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2012

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for HCV and a bilateral ankle disability, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated at 20 percent, effective January 3, 2011. Prior to that date, the rating was 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hepatitis C, claiming it was incurred during active service due to exposure to contaminated material from air gun injections. The appeal is remanded as additional VA medical records are needed and a VA examiner's opinion on the etiology of the condition is required.

The Veteran's alcoholism, which was an attempt to self-medicate his service-connected PTSD, caused liver cirrhosis and led to the esophageal variceal bleed that resulted in his death. The Board finds this case falls under the 'aggravation' theory of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and found that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service tattoos. The issue of a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for gunshot wound residuals remains pending.

The VA determined that the Veteran does not have hepatitis C and denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran claims service connection for hepatitis A and B, or residuals thereof. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current hepatitis residuals.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection is granted for hepatitis C or rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his hepatitis C. The issues of service connection for hepatitis C and entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability are inextricably intertwined.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C did not have its onset during service and is not otherwise related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hand disorder, characterized as Raynaud's phenomenon, is service-connected. The claim for hepatitis C was remanded and will be addressed in a separate decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional records, provide a VA examination for all claimed conditions, and determine the nature and etiology of each condition.

The Veteran's death was caused by ischemic heart disease, which is presumed to be due to his service-connected cirrhosis with liver failure. The cause of the Veteran's death meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a permanent and total disability rating for VA pension purposes, as they do not permanently preclude him from engaging in all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD and associated alcohol addiction, warranting service connection for the cause of death. The issue of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound criteria is remanded.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of a hemorrhoidectomy, including the claimed rectal surgery. Service connection was denied for hepatitis.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis A, B, and C, including as secondary to herbicide exposure. The in-service hepatitis was not a chronic condition and there is no competent medical opinion linking current hepatitis B and C to service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The issues of service connection for a substance abuse disorder and residuals of hepatitis have not been decided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and PTSD. The VA medical examination provided in September 2009 satisfied the obligation of the VA to provide a medical opinion that is adequate for rating purposes.