Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's hepatitis B and C were not found to be service-connected, while his left ear hearing loss was granted.

The Veteran's cause of death, hepatic failure due to cryptogenic cirrhosis, is not service-connected. The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C, neurological disorder of the lower extremities, and psychiatric disorder (to include posttraumatic stress disorder and depression) are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his service, as it was first diagnosed years after separation and linked to drug use in service. The Board determined that drug abuse does not constitute willful misconduct for purposes of establishing service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Board video conference hearing. The issues of service connection remain pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the stomach condition claim prior to a decision being made. The Board also found that there was no current respiratory condition and thus did not find service connection for this issue.

The Board has ordered additional development due to missing VA examination reports and incomplete medical records. The case will be reconsidered after the requested information is obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining private medical records and providing a more definitive opinion on whether the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of lower back disorder, residuals of a closed head injury, or hepatitis. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found no credible evidence that the Veteran's allergies worsened during service, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examination regarding his hepatitis C, right knee disability, and hepatitis B rating.

The Veteran's autoimmune hepatitis did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating prior to September 2011, and does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent beginning from September 2011.

The Board has vacated the previous decision and is granting service connection for hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver as secondary to hepatitis C, and esophageal varices as secondary to hepatitis C.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as the appellant withdrew her request for service connection for poor immune response, claimed as secondary to hepatitis C, for the purpose of accrued benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected distal right fourth metacarpal fracture with mild angulation deformity residuals disability does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent. The claims for hepatitis C and back disorder have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C and alcoholism was denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied as the evidence did not support a finding that his current condition is related to his military service.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to military service via multi-use jet injections received during such service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.