Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD prior to February 2, 2005. However, it granted a 30 percent rating for PTSD beginning from February 2, 2005.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an eye disorder, a back disorder, and right leg scars. The liver disorder (variously claimed as hepatitis B and C) was found not to be related to his military service.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination. The case will be reviewed again after these are obtained.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for PTSD, left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (claimed originally as a blood disorder), and an initial compensable evaluation for hepatitis C. The Board found that there was no credible supporting evidence to substantiate the claimed stressor events for PTSD and that the diagnoses of left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were not shown to be related to service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hepatitis C or hypertension related to his service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also denied.

The veteran claims service connection for hepatitis C, which he believes was acquired while sharing razors in the military. The case is being remanded due to lack of RO readjudication and consideration of newly received medical evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C, chondromalacia of bilateral knees, and neck strain. The RO previously denied these claims in April 2002 due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and heart disease secondary to PTSD, effective from February 22, 2008.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, as there is no evidence linking his primary hepatoma or Hepatitis C to his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran died of natural causes, with cirrhosis of the liver and emphysema as unestablished facts. The appellant contends that his death was due to his service-connected gastrectomy residuals, but a VA physician's opinion could not be provided without speculation. Service connection for the cause of death is granted based on new and material evidence.

The Board granted service connection for liver damage, including Hepatitis C, as secondary to the service-connected PCT and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for PCT.

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death was not service-connected, and therefore DIC benefits are denied. The veteran's hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and COPD were not incurred during active duty service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cardiovascular disorder and hepatitis C are not related to his military service. The veteran's current conditions were diagnosed after separation from active duty, and there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his time in service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, residuals of frostbite to bilateral upper extremities, and residuals of frostbite to bilateral lower extremities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and reviewing the veteran's claims.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C was not caused by or aggravated by VA medical treatment, including the prescription of valproic acid and/or Depakote.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, type II, and diabetic retinopathy were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The claims for secondary service connection based on herbicide exposure are also denied.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and brain damage. The veteran's claims were not supported by competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,Coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II are not addressed in this decision summary.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration, including obtaining SSA records and providing notice to the veteran.