Hepatitis C decisions — 2007

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected hepatitis C was denied as the evidence did not show daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia requiring dietary restriction or continuous medication; or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least two weeks during the past 12 month period.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the claim for service connection for schizophrenia and denied the reopened claim on the merits. The claim for service connection for hepatitis C was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current Hepatitis C had its origin in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran seeks service connection for the residuals of hepatitis C to include liver damage. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining his service personnel records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including obtaining additional medical records and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C and PTSD, as there was insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected hepatitis C, maintaining a current 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including notification of new and material evidence requirements and retrieval of service medical records.

The veteran's hepatitis C was manifested by subjective complaints of chronic fatigue and pain in the area of the liver, but objective evidence did not indicate dietary restrictions or other therapeutic measures. The condition was inactive with an undetectable viral load after February 1, 2007.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and arthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, examinations, and further development of the case.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 0 percent for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for Hepatitis C with chronic liver disease, and major depressive disorder. The decision found no evidence linking the current diagnoses to service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the veteran's current diagnosis of hepatitis C is related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's substance abuse and hepatitis C were not caused or aggravated by his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye disability, hepatitis C, and an increased rating for residuals of a right hip injury. The evidence does not support granting any of these claims.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for post-operative residuals of a right knee injury was denied. The current disability rating remains at 20 percent, effective from the date of the March 2003 decision.

The veteran's hepatitis C is productive of demonstrable liver damage with mild gastrointestinal disturbance, warranting a 10 percent disability rating from March 9, 2006.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, but denied service connection for hypertension as it is not shown to be related to the veteran's time in service.

The Board has determined that there is no current medical diagnosis of PTSD, and thus the claim for service connection for PTSD was denied. The issue of hepatitis C remains pending.

The Board is remanding both issues for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the veteran for a VA examination to assess his current left hip and knee disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, a heart condition with hypertension, memory loss with speech problems, and glaucoma. The evidence does not support current diagnoses of these conditions.