Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for chronic hepatitis C, early cirrhosis of the liver associated with hepatitis C, and left knee chondromalacia were denied. The criteria for increased ratings were not met.

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

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including service connection for hepatitis B, hypertension, diabetes, a mild heart attack, adjustment disorder, and a left eye disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's polysubstance abuse disorder is secondary to his service-connected PTSD, and hepatitis C is proximately due to his service-connected polysubstance abuse.,Both conditions have been granted as service connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's claim for hepatitis C was denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosis or in-service event that would support service connection.,Service connection for amputation of the right fifth finger was granted effective April 12, 2007. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, a left eye disability, a skin infection, a groin infection, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's GERD with hepatitis B was found not to warrant a rating in excess of the current 10 percent prior to June 10, 2013 and 30 percent beginning June 10, 2013. The left knee degenerative joint disease issue is addressed in the REMAND portion.

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.