Hepatitis C decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, provide a new hepatitis C questionnaire, schedule VA examinations for his neck, back and feet conditions, and readjudicate the claims.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and determine the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of his HIV disorder. The claims are also being remanded to determine if he is entitled to a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that hepatitis, including hepatitis C, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied the claim.

The Board denied service connection for Crohn's disease and hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not originate during his military service or were otherwise unrelated to his service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, PTSD and a schizoaffective disorder. The claim is granted.,Service connection for hepatitis C is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the submitted evidence was not new and material.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for ankle and heel disabilities, service connection for bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, and hepatitis C. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen a claim for hepatitis C.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded again due to failure to comply with prior remand directives. The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder will need further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Hepatitis C did not have its onset during service and is not otherwise etiologically related to his active service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C is currently in remission and does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, thus denying his claim for an initial compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's hypertension, hepatitis B, and hiatal hernia with GERD are all rated based on their respective diagnostic codes. The rating for hepatitis C is changed to align with the correct diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C with hepatocellular carcinoma, including cirrhosis, ascites and upper gastrointestinal bleed is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and an addendum opinion regarding the onset and etiology of his condition.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is determined to be a result of drug abuse during service, and as such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and has also reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current hepatitis C, bilateral eye disorder, and lumbar spine disability are not service-connected. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's hepatitis C to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his psychiatric disorder, rectal disorder, and hepatitis C. The VA will provide additional examinations and obtain further clarification on these issues.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including verification of the Veteran's National Guard and Reserve service records and obtaining any outstanding treatment records. The issue of reopening a claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder will also be addressed.