Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected HCV is not shown to have been manifested by more than intermittent fatigue, malaise, and anorexia since January 3, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence does not warrant a higher initial evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected Hepatitis B was asymptomatic from the date of claim, April 2, 1999 to December 12, 2005. From December 12, 2005, forward, his symptoms included daily fatigue, malaise, anorexia (without weight loss or hepatomegaly), vomiting, arthralgia, and right upper quadrant pain. The Veteran's disability did not warrant a compensable evaluation from the date of claim to December 12, 2005, but was rated at 10 percent disabling from that point forward.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records.

The Veteran's right knee disability was incurred in service and the claim for hepatitis B with cirrhosis of the liver is denied. The claim for left side body tremors remains pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, and hepatitis C as these conditions are not shown to be related to his active duty service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and a psychiatric disability (including PTSD, Major Depression, and anxiety) are being remanded due to the need for additional development of the record.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and incomplete readjudication.

The Board has remanded the case to adjudicate the service connection for cryoglobinemia with hepatitis C and kidney complications for accrued benefit purposes, and then to readjudicate the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C and remanded the case to consider the issues on appeal, including obtaining SSA records if relevant.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for PTSD was granted with a rating of 70 percent effective January 28, 2009. The claims for service connection and increased ratings for hypertension, sleep apnea, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and diabetes mellitus were denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for hepatitis was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection for cerebrovascular disease with residual mild left upper extremity weakness associated with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy remains in effect, rated at 20 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not attributable to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was incurred in service, as supported by medical evidence and his account of being attacked during a fight. The blood transfusions he received were not due to willful misconduct.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C, and liver cirrhosis have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and active service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, and thus the claim remains denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hepatitis C, which he contends was acquired in service. The Board finds that a medical examination is necessary to determine the etiology of his hepatitis C.

The Board found that the appellant currently suffers from hepatitis C, but there is no evidence linking this condition to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's initial ratings for Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis of the liver from July 2, 2001 to July 17, 2001 were granted at 40 percent. No higher rating is warranted during this period under either the old or new criteria.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated at 40 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are both rated at 10 percent.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis and granted service connection. Service connection was also granted for hypertension, but not for vision loss.