Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's hepatitis C is found to be related to service, and his right knee disability is found to have worsened since the last examination. The claims are granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not caused by a VA procedure or treatment, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C with cirrhosis and varices, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current hepatitis C was incurred during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, acting alone, require the need of assistance for daily activities such as hygiene and medication management. The Board finds that aid and attendance is warranted solely because of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant and his representative, thus dismissing the appeal.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of hepatitis C is not related to service, as there were no in-service risk factors or symptoms. The Board finds that the claim for service connection must be denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C contributed to his death, either as a direct cause or by accelerating it. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cirrhosis of the liver is being remanded due to the need for a more thorough examination and opinion regarding the relationship between his current condition and active duty, as well as any potential link to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's hepatitis C, status-post hepatitis A infection, was manifested by minimal liver damage with associated fatigue, anxiety, and gastrointestinal disturbance of lesser degree and frequency than symptoms associated with greater liver damage, but necessitating dietary restrictions or other therapeutic measures. For the period from September 18, 1977 to August 15, 2000, a 30 percent rating was granted.

The Board found that any acquired psychiatric disorder is neither related to service nor related to service-connected hepatitis, and therefore denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C and GI disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hypothyroidism, hypertension, heart disease, and hepatitis C due to new and material evidence. However, no specific rating or effective date is assigned as these issues are still under review.

Since May 25, 2012, the Veteran's hepatitis C has been manifested by daily fatigue and joint pain but no weight loss or hepatomegaly. The VA examiner found no incapacitating episodes due to hepatitis C during the past 12 months.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the cause of his liver failure (which led to his death) is not related to service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hepatitis C is at least as likely as not incurred during his military service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is manifested by daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia without substantial weight loss or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest and treatment by a physician. The criteria for an initial disability rating higher than 20 percent have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's liver condition, manifested by fatigue, nausea, jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, and hyperbilirubinemia, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent. The Veteran was also denied entitlement to TDIU due to his service-connected disability as he is capable of maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis or a skin disorder (vitiligo and/or knots). His liver cysts are currently diagnosed, but they are not considered to be related to his active military service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type II and denied service connection for this condition. The claim for hepatitis C was also denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.