Hepatitis C decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C and a right knee disorder have all been denied.,There is no evidence of any current disabilities related to these conditions.

Service connection is granted for hepatitis C and liver cancer, both found to be related to service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus remains a separate issue not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding his claims.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The Board found that the disease is more likely due to post-service risk factors, such as IV drug use and high-risk sexual behavior.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural flaws and additional development is needed, including obtaining SSA records and reviewing the line of duty determination for the tattoo.

The Veteran's current hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, a liver condition other than hepatitis C, and peripheral neuropathy secondary to hepatitis C. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or any aspect thereof.

The Veteran's hepatitis C claim is pending, as the appeal was withdrawn. The right foot injury with right ankle capsulitis and scars have been granted an increased rating to 20 percent effective February 4, 2009. The low back strain remains at a 10 percent disability rating.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is pending.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the most likely etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C, and to assess whether it was incurred during service or due to in-service risk factors.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is etiologically related to his active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claim for secondary psychiatric disability due to hepatitis C remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and ensuring that the VA has considered her claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned to the Board after this development.

The Veteran's Hepatitis C was caused by a blood transfusion in February 1982, which was not reasonably foreseeable at the time. The claim is granted as compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, finding that there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for hepatitis C service connection is denied. The effective date for the grant of HIV service connection remains July 24, 2009. The Veteran's rating for HIV remains at 60 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully consider the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, including obtaining VA treatment records and ensuring proper notice.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and hepatitis C, finding that there was no direct or secondary evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C service connection claim and PTSD disability evaluation claims are being remanded for additional development. The TDIU issue is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board found that osteomyelitis of the right great toe was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the claim. The hepatitis C claim is remanded for further development.

The Board found no evidence that the Veteran's hepatitis C with liver damage is related to his military service, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.