Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that there is at least equipoise evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver, which was incurred during his active military service. The decision grants this claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, including as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's hepatitis C disability has been productive of daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia with minor weight loss and hepatomegaly. The criteria for a rating of 40 percent are met.

The Veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hepatitis C, headaches, a low back disability, and a hearing loss disability. Service connection was granted for right leg varicose veins with a 10 percent evaluation effective from November 22, 2006.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied the claims for lung disorder, diabetes mellitus, and hepatitis C. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder was withdrawn prior to the issuance of a decision.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is not related to service. The hepatitis C infection was caused by intravenous drug abuse. Substance abuse is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hepatitis C infection, or substance abuse cannot be established.

The Veteran's hepatitis B is not related to active service.,There is no evidence of asbestos exposure during active service, and the lung disability is not due to in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has withdrawn the appellant's appeal for service connection of a psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to his withdrawal. The claim for hepatic disorders, including hepatitis B and C and cirrhosis of the liver, is granted as new and material evidence was received that supports the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, hypertension, enlarged prostate, skin disorder of the groin area, hepatitis C, and anemia, are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and further medical evaluation.

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

The Veteran's hepatitis C was diagnosed during active military service and is considered to have originated there, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. This includes obtaining relevant treatment records from VA facilities and ensuring proper verification of claimed stressors.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and B were not addressed as they are considered 'unknown' due to the nature of the appeal.,For his left thumb fracture, a rating of 10% has been granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a liver disorder and thyroid disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C has not resulted in incapacitating episodes or other symptoms warranting a higher rating. The current 20% evaluation is therefore denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, but finds that additional development is required before addressing the merits of the claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service and it has been linked to post-service alcohol use.

The Board found that the Veteran's liver disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.