Hepatitis C decisions — 2010

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's hepatitis C, degenerative disc disease and osteophytosis of the lumbar spine with left lower extremity radiculopathy, thyroid disorder, or rheumatoid arthritis to his military service. The claims were denied as secondary to hepatitis C.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, a skin condition claimed as a wart condition, a kidney condition, and a prostate condition, all of which were attributed to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for hepatitis C was not supported by evidence of a formal or informal claim prior to June 21, 2005. The RO granted service connection in March 2007 and assigned an effective date of June 21, 2005.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C infection was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and denied his claim.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver is not related to service and was not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hepatitis C, which he claims was acquired during his active duty service. The appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination and obtaining missing VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete development of his claims, particularly regarding the nature and etiology of his hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, left ear hearing loss disability, and liver disease (hepatitis C) are reopened. However, the evidence does not establish that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's medical records and provide him with proper VCAA notice.

The Board has ordered additional VA examinations and requested medical records to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C and peripheral neuropathy, as well as any aggravation by service-connected PTSD. The case is being remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of his hepatitis C and traumatic brachial plexopathy.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to clarify the date of onset and cause of the Veteran's hepatitis C, as well as determine if it was related to in-service exposure or other aspects of his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C and finds that there is sufficient lay and medical evidence to support a causal link between the Veteran's military service and his current condition. As such, the claim is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied service connection for hepatitis C and diabetes. Service connection was established for PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor, but the claims of service connection for hepatitis C and diabetes were not supported by evidence showing an in-service event or disease.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have hepatitis C related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate explanation of why a VA examination or medical opinion was not necessary, and because there are lay assertions indicating that the Veteran's hepatitis C may be associated with service. The case is now being sent back for further evaluation.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is related to his period of active military service and the claim for this condition is granted.