Hepatitis C decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The appeals for the initial disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also denied as there is no legal basis to assign a higher rating.

The VA determined that the veteran's current hepatitis B and C disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of their occurrence during his military service or a direct link to any condition he served with. The Board found that the medical opinion provided by the December 2004 VA examiner was probative and dispositive on the question of whether the veteran's hepatitis B and C were related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was incurred during service, resolving all doubts in his favor.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability or hepatitis C infection related to military service, and his right arm injury is not linked to service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for TDIU will be REMANDED due to additional development being required.

The veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C and diabetes mellitus, type II were not granted. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of a left hand fracture was denied.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, hepatitis C, and diabetes mellitus based on herbicide exposure are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The issues of service connection for hypertension, ruptured left ear drum, and hepatitis C are pending.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, a skin rash of the feet (Onychomycosis), and a skin rash of the axilla due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his hepatitis C, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7354.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish service connection for hepatitis C or an umbilical hernia, and thus the claims are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical opinion to determine if the veteran's Hepatitis C is due to his exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam. The RO/AMC will also conduct any necessary examinations and review all pertinent records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, PTSD, and tinnitus due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for left ulnar release and carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to the service-connected left wrist disability. Service connection for hepatitis C, allergies, and bronchitis was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right hand injury secondary to PTSD. The claims for hepatitis C and low back disorder are pending.

The Board has restored the veteran's 20 percent rating for hepatitis C, effective December 1, 2004, after finding that the reduction was not in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The veteran's hepatitis C was incurred during his active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hepatitis C condition is not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.