Hepatitis C decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any hepatitis C present, as well as whether it is related to service. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was more likely due to his history of IV drug use during military service, and not related to air gun vaccinations or any other exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

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

The Board finds that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right knee disability, left knee disability, right hip disability, hemorrhoids, hepatitis C, and hypertension, cannot be granted as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a service connection for hepatitis C or liver cancer, and denied both claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C infection. The reopened claim will now be reviewed on its merits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no medical evidence linking his current diagnosis to his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluation and service connection for hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need for additional clinical assessment and medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis C has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD has not been reopened. The claim for hepatitis C is established as the disease was caused by in-service and post-service intravenous drug use. The right knee disability rating remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition and hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was first diagnosed during his third period of active duty and has continued since then. The Board finds that service connection is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hepatitis C, and depression have been granted service connection as they are related to his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records and an inadequate VA examination report.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected hepatitis C was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is not attributable to his military service and the Board has denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that hepatitis C was not incurred in service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The TDIU claim was also denied as there is no evidence of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that there is no clear evidence of hepatitis C or a gastrointestinal disorder having its onset in service, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no in-service exposure or a link between his current condition and any claimed in-service risk factors.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining a VA opinion.