Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis) Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis was not present during service or for many years thereafter, and it was not caused by any incident of service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hepatitis is denied.

The veteran's service-connected pyloric obstruction, partial, with history of duodenal ulcer and hiatal hernia with cirrhosis of the liver is currently evaluated at 30 percent. The claim for increased evaluation for residuals of a cervical spine injury remains denied.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hepatitis have not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's hepatitis C and nephrolithiasis of the left lobe are currently rated at their maximum allowable levels under VA regulations. The Board finds that neither condition warrants a higher rating based on the evidence provided.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his claimed residuals of hepatitis, finding that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under either the old or new versions of Diagnostic Code 7345.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, hepatitis B, residuals of right ankle injury, and low back disability due to lack of credible supporting evidence for in-service stressors and no current disabilities related to service.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected infectious hepatitis does not warrant a compensable rating under the former provisions of Diagnostic Code 7345 in effect prior to July 2, 2001.

The Board denied increased ratings for hepatitis and multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities. The claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death resulted from hepatitis C, which was caused by a blood transfusion in service. As such, the cause of the veteran's death is deemed to be incurred in service and service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

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 the veteran's death.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted service connection with a non-compensable rating from May 25, 2001 to October 18, 2001. From October 19, 2001 onwards, he is rated at 20 percent for this condition. The veteran's hepatitis C has been granted service connection with a 40 percent rating since May 21, 2001. He also received TDIU benefits.

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

The Board granted service connection for gout and an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The claim for a compensable rating for hepatitis was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C and hepatic abscess were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and there is no competent medical evidence linking them to any incident of service. The appeal for these conditions was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, and hepatitis due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by cirrhosis, which is a direct result of his service-connected alcoholism. As such, service connection for the cause of death will be granted.

The Board granted service connection for Hepatitis C due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam era, but found that there was no evidence of a direct causal link between the veteran's service and his current condition.