Hepatitis C decisions — 2014

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C (also claimed as liver problems) due to new and material evidence. However, further development is needed before the Board can address the merits of the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to any incident during his period of active duty. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding in favor of service connection for either condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development and examination of the Veteran's hepatitis C claim.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the cases of hepatitis C and substance abuse. The VA is required to issue a decision implementing the grant of service connection for PTSD, provide an opinion on whether substance abuse was proximately due or aggravated by PTSD, and consider the inextricably intertwined issues of hepatitis C.

The Board is remanding the case to the AOJ for further action, including providing notice of relevant regulations and seeking signed informed consent documents.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development and medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis were withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The case is being remanded due to the need to verify the Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Korea.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver is being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's hepatitis B and C were not found to be service-connected, while his left ear hearing loss was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C, neurological disorder of the lower extremities, and psychiatric disorder (to include posttraumatic stress disorder and depression) are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his service, as it was first diagnosed years after separation and linked to drug use in service. The Board determined that drug abuse does not constitute willful misconduct for purposes of establishing service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Board video conference hearing. The issues of service connection remain pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the stomach condition claim prior to a decision being made. The Board also found that there was no current respiratory condition and thus did not find service connection for this issue.

The Board has ordered additional development due to missing VA examination reports and incomplete medical records. The case will be reconsidered after the requested information is obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining private medical records and providing a more definitive opinion on whether the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to his military service.

The Board found no credible evidence that the Veteran's allergies worsened during service, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examination regarding his hepatitis C, right knee disability, and hepatitis B rating.

The Board has vacated the previous decision and is granting service connection for hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver as secondary to hepatitis C, and esophageal varices as secondary to hepatitis C.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as the appellant withdrew her request for service connection for poor immune response, claimed as secondary to hepatitis C, for the purpose of accrued benefits.