Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and hepatitis disabilities, which are rated as noncompensable individually, now allow for a single 10% evaluation under VA regulations when multiple service-connected disabilities interfere with employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to schedule him for a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his left hand arthritis disability, including whether it is proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected crush injury, left middle finger.

The Veteran's appeal of his claim for increased ratings for infectious hepatitis, schistosomiasis, and ancylostomiasis has been withdrawn.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C infection, finding that the Veteran's combat experiences with wounded and dead soldiers in Vietnam is a significant risk factor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred during service and is not etiologically related to any incident of active duty service. The claim for service connection for hepatitis C is denied.

The Board dismissed all the moving party's claims of service connection for various conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the low back, retinopathy, cirrhosis of the liver, cholecystitis, PTSD, and depression, all claimed as secondary to his service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for infectious hepatitis and a right shoulder disability, but granted an increased rating for his left ankle fracture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to his active military service, with resolution of any doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, chronic sinusitis, and chronic rhinitis based on direct evidence of in-service disease or injury. The Veteran's MOS included exposure to asbestos, dust, and toxic fumes during his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C likely pre-existed his first period of service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and a stomach disability, finding no evidence to support these claims. The headaches claim is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and Hepatitis C are still pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis, and is remanding the remaining issues of service connection for depression and entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of whether Hepatitis C and cirrhosis should be considered as part of the same disease process.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have hepatitis that is attributable to active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current allegations of a fall during active duty and subsequent chronic back pain are not credible. The Board finds service connection for a back disability is denied as there is no evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hepatitis C was incurred as a result of service, supported by evidence showing in-service risk factors and subsequent diagnosis.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and found that the right shoulder disorder is related to military service. The claim for Hepatitis B was not substantiated.