Hepatitis C decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected distal right fourth metacarpal fracture with mild angulation deformity residuals disability does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent. The claims for hepatitis C and back disorder have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C and alcoholism was denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied as the evidence did not support a finding that his current condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C disability has been productive of daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia, with minor weight loss. The Board finds that the criteria for a 40 percent rating are met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to military service via multi-use jet injections received during such service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records from the Birmingham VAMC and addressing the duty to assist. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on all applicable laws and regulations.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for residuals of TBI, service connection for PTSD, and service connection for hepatitis C were denied. The Veteran was not granted any benefits.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for Hepatitis C remains pending as VA will obtain additional medical opinions before making a decision.

The Veteran's hepatitis C has been rated at 10 percent disabling since October 23, 2000. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a connection between the Veteran's hepatitis C and his military service, thus denying the claim.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated noncompensable prior to September 19, 2011, and 20 percent since that date. The appeal has been denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) of the Board. The RO must ask the Veteran to clarify his preferred type of hearing and notify him of the date, time, and location if he chooses one.

The Veteran's death was caused by hepatitis C, which is service-connected. The appellant is granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and payment of service-connected burial benefits.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to consider all potential risk factors for the Veteran's hepatitis C, including in-service exposure and post-service drug use. The case is being remanded for an examination and opinion.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for hepatitis C. Service connection is granted for coronary artery disease (CAD). The issues of service connection for neurological, psychiatric, and endocrine conditions are withdrawn from appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical opinions regarding the cause of death. The burial benefits claim is inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional records and further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance for his spouse was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the etiology of his hepatitis C, specifically whether it is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and alcohol consumption.