Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral leg disability, renal disability, hepatitis C, depression not otherwise specified, and pelvic hematoma as a result of the December 14, 2005 dialysis incident is granted. The Veteran has been awarded compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for PTSD due to this incident.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and left knee disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of chronic disability during or immediately following service. The polio claim was also denied due to lack of evidence of a pre-service diagnosis.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of an inservice TBI and acquired psychiatric disability, but denied his claim for hepatitis C. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of hepatitis have not resulted in any symptoms that warrant a compensable disability rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and COPD. The claim of service connection for hepatitis C was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, while the claim for COPD remains denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C, with cirrhosis of the liver and pancytopenia, is not attributable to his period of active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's liver disorder, including hepatitis C, finding that it is at least as likely as not due to in-service risk factors such as intravenous drug use and high-risk sexual activity.