Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2015

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, as the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that it was incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD. The claim for hepatitis C remains pending and will require further examination or evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cirrhosis of the liver associated with underlying hepatitis B and C is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. The AOJ will arrange for a VA examination to address the etiology of his current condition, including in-service tattoos.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis A, hepatitis C, and liver damage is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. The VA will obtain SSA records and schedule the Veteran for a medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not etiologically related to his active service, and therefore denied the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in service and is not otherwise related to service, including shots received using an air gun. The claim for seborrheic dermatitis is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran does not have residuals of hepatitis or hearing loss related to his service. His bilateral hearing loss was granted, but the Board found no evidence of a current disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C did not result from disease or injury incurred in active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals, requesting withdrawal for all issues except for the right knee subluxing patella issue. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for cirrhosis of the liver, which he claims was caused by VA's failure to exercise the degree of care expected in prescribing statin medication. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was found to be noncompensable prior to May 18, 2011. For the period from May 18, 2011, to April 17, 2012, a 20% disability rating for hepatitis C was granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's cause of death is being reviewed by a VA examiner to determine whether his service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was found to be noncompensable prior to May 18, 2011. For the period from May 18, 2011, to April 17, 2012, a 20% disability rating for hepatitis C was granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the cause of death and potential exposure triggers. The appellant's representative provided additional medical research suggesting possible triggers.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, chronic liver disease, and increased rating for otosclerosis are being remanded due to the need for additional development of the record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hepatitis C, right carpal tunnel syndrome, or left leg numbness (numbness of the left leg) as a result of service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's nonservice-connected pension benefits prior to October 3, 2005 were not granted due to his disabilities not meeting the percentage requirements for consideration of permanent and total disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's seizures, headaches, and hepatitis C are not related to service or any other factor. Service connection was denied for all three conditions.