Hepatitis C decisions — 2011

The Veteran's hepatitis C with portal fibrosis and cirrhosis was granted a rating of 30 percent prior to November 22, 2004. Beginning November 22, 2004, the Veteran is entitled to an increased rating of 50 percent for this condition. The Veteran's pulmonary sarcoidosis with dry eyes is rated at 60 percent since its onset.

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

The Board has vacated the previous decision and remanded the case due to insufficient examination findings regarding the relationship between hepatitis C and service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral eye disability, asbestosis, hepatitis C, arthritis of all joints, sinusitis, HIV, and recurrent pneumonia. The Board also denied his claim for an increased rating for residuals of a chip fracture of the right thumb.

The VA determined that the Veteran's Hepatitis C was not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service and is unrelated to any risk factors present at that time.

The Board denied service connection for chronic sinusitis and hepatitis C, finding no evidence of these conditions during service or a link to military service.