Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that a new VA medical examination is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current hepatitis and his active duty service, as well as whether any liver disorders are related to his hepatitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cold injury residuals, nutritional disorder, helminthiasis, cirrhosis, and gastrointestinal disability were all denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or persistent symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied. The claim for a higher rating for the residuals of infectious hepatitis (hepatitis B, schistosomiasis, and ancylostomiasis) is remanded due to inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's death was caused by a liver disorder, not related to his service-connected seizure disorder. The Board found no evidence linking the liver condition to the seizure disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his military service and the condition.

The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected Hepatitis C. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's fatigue and malaise are caused by hepatitis C, but concluded that they are not service-connected due to a misinterpretation of facts.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen his right knee injury claim, and he does not meet the criteria for service connection for other conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of the Veteran's claims for hepatitis A, B, and C.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a perforated left eardrum and bilateral hearing loss are not rated higher than noncompensable.,Service connection for hepatitis C, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent disabling for hepatitis C, finding that his condition did not warrant a higher rating based on the symptoms described.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred or aggravated during active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to uncertainty regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C and post-service risk factors.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis and peripheral neuropathy, Guillian-Barré syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and verifying service dates. The Veteran is also not provided with a duty-to-inform notice as required by the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and Barnes-Jewish Hospital treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is not service-connected due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors. The claim for hepatitis C compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 remains pending and will be remanded for further investigation.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand condition, to include Raynaud's phenomenon and hepatitis C. The evidence does not establish that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was due to his service-connected hepatitis C, which contributed substantially or materially to his cause of death. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including clarification of representation and potential rescheduling of a hearing.