Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from January 15 to January 19, 2010 at Glen Falls Hospital were reimbursed due to the nature of his symptoms and the unavailability of VA facilities.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and peripheral neuropathy are found to be related to service, with the most likely source being drug use in the early 1970s. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hepatitis B disability is related to his service, as it represents a continuation of the same condition diagnosed during service (Hepatitis A). Service connection for hepatitis B is granted.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board found that the submitted evidence since the July 2009 final denial is essentially cumulative of the evidence previously of record with regard to the basis for the prior denial, and thus did not meet the criteria for reopening any of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his major depressive disorder, did not cause or contribute substantially to his death. The VA medical opinion provided a clear and definitive conclusion against the appellant's claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and the provision of proper VCAA notice regarding her PTSD claim based on in-service personal assault.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not service-connected, as it was more likely caused by post-service activities such as intravenous drug use and a blood transfusion after a burn incident. The issues of back condition and acquired psychiatric disorder are dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination for the Veteran's back disability and hepatitis, and because private medical records need to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's death is related to his service, including exposure to Agent Orange and any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that more development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current hepatitis C disability is related to his active service. The case is therefore being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of an unknown tropical disease, including malaria and hepatitis, as well as an esophageal disorder, to include hiatal hernia and GERD, were denied.,There is no evidence in the record supporting a direct link between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hepatitis B are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from his Reserve service periods and a VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.