Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the Board finds that none of his conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service. The cause of death was determined to be hepatitis C resulting in acute renal failure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C as a result of treatment at a VA medical facility in February and March 2000.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, and Hernia, led to medical emergencies in December 2013 and November 2014. The Board found that the conditions were severe enough to warrant immediate treatment, and that no VA facilities were feasibly available for timely treatment.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred in service. The uterine fibroids that led to her hysterectomy are considered a separate disability from those noted during service. Chest pain is determined to be a chronic condition not related to the Veteran's service-connected GERD or other disabilities. Drug-induced hepatitis and/or hepatotoxicity is found to be secondary to medication for hypertension.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred or aggravated during service and denied his claim for service connection. The hypertension claim is also denied as there is no evidence of its onset in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C were denied. The Veteran was not granted any higher initial or staged ratings.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was incurred during his active service, and the Board finds reasonable doubt in favor of this claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis C has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need to contact him and provide a Travel Board hearing opportunity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his military service, including as due to an in-service air gun inoculation. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are REMANDED.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred during service and is less likely related to his seizure disorder. The claim for service connection for hepatitis C has been denied.

The most probative evidence of record indicates that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to service, but rather to post-service risk factors such as drug use and high-risk sexual behavior.

The Veteran's death was caused by alcoholic liver cirrhosis, which is believed to be related to his alcoholism. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding the service connection of PTSD and alcoholism.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is at least as likely as not related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's liver disorder, hearing loss, tinnitus, and insomnia are found to be related to his service. The Veteran does not have a diagnosed bilateral eye or knee disability that is related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for left knee disability has been withdrawn. The remaining issues of increased ratings for hepatitis C, sinusitis, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development of service connection claims for hepatitis C, liver disease, left knee disability, low back disability, and right shoulder disability is required.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with cirrhosis is rated at 40 percent effective July 2, 2001.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a sleep disorder has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran was diagnosed with bilateral hallux valgus in service and continues to have this condition, warranting service connection.