Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The veteran's medical conditions, including hypertension, hepatitis C, lumbar disc disease, gunshot wound residuals of the right leg, gallstones, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, do not render him permanently and totally disabled for pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C is service-connected due to a risk factor associated with his combat experiences, and thus grants the claim.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The VA determined that the veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected bronchiectasis, but rather by a combination of multiple underlying conditions including COPD and renal failure. The VA medical opinion concluded that there is no evidence to suggest that the service-connected bronchiectasis contributed to the veteran's death.

The Board found that the veteran's currently diagnosed hepatitis C is not related to his service, and thus denied the claim of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and clarification of medical opinions regarding the veteran's hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypertension.

The Board has determined that it is more likely than not that the veteran's hepatitis C was incurred during active service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.

The veteran claims service connection for Hepatitis C, which he contends was incurred during his active military service. The VA has requested additional clarification and evidence to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's diagnosed hepatitis.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear at a scheduled hearing. He will be given the option for a video conference hearing.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence did not establish current disabilities or a link to military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C and granted it, finding that new and material evidence supports a link between the veteran's current diagnosis of hepatitis C and his military service.

The Board has determined that there are mixed issues in this case, with some aspects of the veteran's claims for hepatitis C and diabetes mellitus type I being granted under new evidence, while others remain denied. The left knee disorder claim is still pending.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C, but further development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The veteran's overpayment of $2,299.20 is at issue due to reductions for a third period of incarceration. The validity of the debt must be determined before considering a waiver request.

The Board found no evidence linking the causes of death (myocardial infarction, sepsis, and cirrhosis) to the veteran's military service or his already service-connected conditions. Therefore, the cause of death claim was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection for hepatitis C is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the veteran's exposure to wounded servicemen's blood in Vietnam is as likely as not a cause of his current condition. Service connection for a dental disorder was denied due to lack of eligibility under VA regulations.

The Board has denied service connection for hepatitis C and arthritis of the hands, arms, shoulders, knees, and ankles as there is no evidence that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has ordered additional development to be completed, including obtaining medical records and seeking information from the Social Security Administration. The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hepatitis C is being remanded.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C is not related to service, attributing it to his documented in-service intravenous drug use.