Hepatitis C decisions — 2004

The Board finds that the veteran's hepatitis C is more likely due to his in-service drug use, specifically intranasal cocaine and intravenous heroin use. As such, service connection for hepatitis C is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The RO granted service connection for hepatitis C effective from December 4, 1998, and assigned a noncompensable disability rating. The appellant's other claims were addressed but not decided in this decision.

The Board found that the veteran's liver disorder, including hepatitis C, was not incurred or aggravated during active service nor as a result of herbicide exposure during service.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a connection between the veteran's service and his current diagnosis of hepatitis C, thus denying the claim.

The Board denied service connection for Hepatitis C and PTSD, finding that the veteran's current conditions did not have their onset during or as a result of his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and post-traumatic stress disorder were denied. His claim for VA outpatient dental treatment was dismissed as a matter of law due to lack of evidence. The veteran's request for special monthly pension benefits based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for PTSD and hepatitis C should be remanded to allow for further development, including obtaining corroborated stressor information, additional medical records, and a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence of a blood transfusion at VA facilities and thus no basis to find fault on the part of VA in causing his hepatitis C.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing the veteran with proper VCAA notice.

The Board has denied service connection for Hepatitis C and has remanded the issues of increased evaluations for PTSD to the RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there is no etiological link between his diagnosed condition and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and the increased rating claim for left knee disability. The decision found no evidence of current symptoms or chronic residuals from hepatitis C.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C and subsequent liver transplant are not related to his active service.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic liver disease and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease were not incurred or aggravated during active service nor as a result of a service-connected disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied the claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no competent evidence relating the condition to service.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the veteran's hepatitis C, as well as additional development in terms of obtaining Social Security Administration records and medical records from his period of active service. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis B and C. The claim is granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claims for PTSD and hepatitis C.