Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, low back disability, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus (DM II). The appeals were decided on a direct basis as there was no indication of any presumptive conditions or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's death was caused by hepatitis C, which is service-connected. The appellant is granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and payment of service-connected burial benefits.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to consider all potential risk factors for the Veteran's hepatitis C, including in-service exposure and post-service drug use. The case is being remanded for an examination and opinion.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for hepatitis C. Service connection is granted for coronary artery disease (CAD). The issues of service connection for neurological, psychiatric, and endocrine conditions are withdrawn from appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical opinions regarding the cause of death. The burial benefits claim is inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional records and further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance for his spouse was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the etiology of his hepatitis C, specifically whether it is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and alcohol consumption.

The Veteran's claims for respiratory disability, myasthenia gravis, and primary biliary cirrhosis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred during his period of service and is less likely related to any incident of his military service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hepatitis C is linked to his active duty.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a right calf disability, frostbite residuals of the bilateral lower extremities and feet, and hepatitis C have been denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review of the claims, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a VA medical opinion regarding hepatitis C. The issues of entitlement to initial compensable evaluations for right ear hearing loss and propriety of a combined evaluation of 60 percent for service-connected disabilities assigned in a June 2009 rating decision are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA SMP aid and attendance/housebound examination to determine whether the appellant is in need of aid and attendance or if he is housebound due to his disabilities. The appellant also needs assistance with cooking, dressing, medication management, and paying bills.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for hepatitis C and found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a Social and Industrial Survey and obtaining SSA records.

The Veteran's hepatitis B did not have its onset during active service and was not caused by an event, disease, or injury during active service. The Board finds no evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's death was caused by arteriosclerotic heart disease, with hepatitis C contributing to his death. The Board found that the service-connected hepatitis in 1973 is at least as likely as not related to the hepatitis C on his death certificate and contributed substantially to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension, heart disability, and hepatitis C have been granted. The effective date is not specified.