Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and to ensure due process. The claims for service connection for varicose veins, hepatitis C, depression, sleep disorder, and a total rating are inextricably intertwined with each other.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed hepatitis C is not related to his military service, as it was first shown many years after discharge and linked to his drug use and high-risk sexual behavior.

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 claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his medical records.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was diagnosed shortly after receiving blood transfusions at a VA facility, and the Board finds that there is an equal possibility of its occurrence due to carelessness or negligence by VA. As such, the appeal for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C manifested during active military service due to risk factors such as multiple sexual partners and needle sharing, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, PTSD, and hepatitis B. The claim for increased ratings for residuals of a head injury was also denied.

The Board has determined that there is no diagnosis of hepatitis C during the period of the claim and service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypercholesterolemia and hepatitis C was denied. The Board found that hypercholesterolemia is not a recognized disability for VA compensation purposes, while the issue of increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy remains pending.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for emergency treatment at the Renal Hypertension Center on June 24, 2007 are approved as they met the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Veteran's hepatitis C, status post-hepatitis A infection, was not manifested by demonstrable liver damage or mild gastrointestinal disturbance from September 18, 1977 to August 15, 2000. Therefore, the claim for an initial compensable rating is denied.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with cirrhosis is currently rated at 20 percent, effective February 9, 2004. The RO has granted service connection for cirrhosis and increased the rating of hepatitis C to 20 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and cirrhosis of the liver did not contribute substantially or materially to his death, nor were they a contributory cause. The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a foot disability, Hepatitis C, or right shoulder disability related to her service. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's initial ratings for pruritis and hepatitis C have been granted, but the rating for pruritis has not changed from 10% prior to March 16, 2009. The Veteran received a 30% rating for pruritis beginning March 16, 2009. His initial rating for hepatitis C remains at 10%.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if hepatitis C was first manifested in service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected kidney stones or due to VA treatment. Therefore, the claim for service connection and 38 U.S.C. 1151 is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and requests for additional medical records, including VA treatment records from 1978 onwards. The Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis and diabetes are being reviewed.