Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2014

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred during his period of service and is less likely related to any incident of his military service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hepatitis C is linked to his active duty.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a right calf disability, frostbite residuals of the bilateral lower extremities and feet, and hepatitis C have been denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review of the claims, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a VA medical opinion regarding hepatitis C. The issues of entitlement to initial compensable evaluations for right ear hearing loss and propriety of a combined evaluation of 60 percent for service-connected disabilities assigned in a June 2009 rating decision are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA SMP aid and attendance/housebound examination to determine whether the appellant is in need of aid and attendance or if he is housebound due to his disabilities. The appellant also needs assistance with cooking, dressing, medication management, and paying bills.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for hepatitis C and found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a Social and Industrial Survey and obtaining SSA records.

The Veteran's hepatitis B did not have its onset during active service and was not caused by an event, disease, or injury during active service. The Board finds no evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's death was caused by arteriosclerotic heart disease, with hepatitis C contributing to his death. The Board found that the service-connected hepatitis in 1973 is at least as likely as not related to the hepatitis C on his death certificate and contributed substantially to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension, heart disability, and hepatitis C have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was due to hepatitis C, which is service-connected as a direct result of his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C has been rated at 60 percent since December 2, 2009. The Veteran is also granted TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is as likely as not due to his own willful misconduct, specifically intravenous drug use in service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if hepatitis C is related to service. The Veteran's surgeries during service are being considered as potential risk factors.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II was denied, and his claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claims for service connection have not been decided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and a skin disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service or presumed exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for service connection for hepatitis C was based on presumptive service connection due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder and hepatitis C render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.