Hepatitis C decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Hepatitis C and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, have resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance. However, he does not meet the criteria for housebound status due to his ability to ambulate with assistive devices.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current hepatitis C or jaundice as a result of his time in active duty service and denied his claim.

The evidence does not establish a direct link between the Veteran's hepatitis C and his military service, including any in-service exposure to blood or other risk factors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, allergic sinusitis/rhinitis, ulcers, and hepatitis C, are not shown to have been incurred or aggravated during service. The initial presumption of soundness upon entry into service is rebutted as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence (CUE) that these conditions existed prior to service.

The Board found that Hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the claim.,The right ear hearing loss disability was also not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his hepatitis C. Additionally, the RO must issue a statement of the case addressing all five issues listed in the June 2009 rating decision.

The Board found that the cause of death was not service-connected, as none of the listed conditions were shown to be related to military service or pre-service conditions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's appeal requires a remand for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing at his local RO.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic hepatoma due to hepatitis C, which is linked to his service-connected PTSD. The Board finds that the Veteran's alcohol dependence and drug abuse were a result of his service-connected PTSD.