Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Veteran's hypertension and hepatitis C, with associated liver damage claims were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The psychiatric disorder claim is pending due to the need for additional mental health records.

The Board found that hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty, and denied the claim. For the low back disability, there is conflicting evidence regarding its current severity and etiology, necessitating further examination.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, Guillain-Barr Syndrome, residuals of upper respiratory infection (COPD), hypertension, and inguinal and cervical lymphadenopathy. The claims were not reopened.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was manifested by daily fatigue and occasional vomiting, anorexia, and malaise without evidence of hepatomegaly. The RO granted a 20 percent evaluation from July 15, 2005 through June 30, 2006.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination and an opinion regarding his hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C with associated liver cirrhosis, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease during or within one year after service and noting that the Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations. The Board concluded that his current condition is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for jaundice and residuals of hepatitis C, status post liver transplant is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully evaluate the appellant's claim for service connection for hepatitis C.

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

The Veteran's nerve entrapment syndrome is found to be proximately due to VA surgery and treatment, meeting the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151. Service connection for hepatitis C is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis B or any associated residuals, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B and a left knee disorder, finding that there is no evidence of active hepatitis B or any residuals thereof. The Veteran's claim for a left knee disorder was remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 10 percent from May 8, 2001 to June 17, 2002. From June 18, 2002 to May 21, 2003, the rating was increased to 20 percent. After that period, a 10 percent rating has been maintained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than March 5, 2007 for service connection for hepatitis C with cirrhosis due to a lack of medical evidence linking his disease to service.

The Board found that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's Hepatitis C was caused by an event or incident during active service. Resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board determined that the evidence demonstrates a nexus between the Veteran's current Hepatitis C and active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for hepatitis C with cirrhosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining employment records and VA medical records, as well as scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's liver disorder, claimed as liver damage, is related to his service-connected porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), and granted service connection for this condition.