Hepatitis C decisions — 2014

The Board has ordered a remand to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C, specifically whether it had its onset during service.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis B, C and liver disease are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not service-connected as it is due to his own willful misconduct, specifically intravenous drug use during service and intranasal cocaine use after service.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and heart disability. The Veteran's statements were deemed insufficient to establish a nexus between his current disabilities and active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hepatitis C is not related to his active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hepatitis C, as well as the reopening of a claim for hepatitis C on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The Veteran does not have current bilateral hearing loss or hepatitis C.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for HCV, based on the Veteran's reported risk factors during service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to decide the claim for hepatitis C, as there is evidence suggesting in-service exposure. The Veteran's current treatment records and any private health care provider records should be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C, as there is a known risk factor in-service and indication of current chronic hepatitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C was reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The claims for PTSD, hiatal hernia, and diverticulitis were all granted.,PTSD is linked to sexual assault and harassment in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and review of the claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability and hepatitis C.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's hepatitis C claim and his TDIU claim, including obtaining service treatment records and providing an opinion on whether his hepatitis C is related to service. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with the hepatitis C claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hepatitis C with cirrhosis and a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities has been denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 40 percent for Raynaud's phenomenon, but the evidence does not support a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7117.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as well as for obtaining any outstanding treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Hepatitis C is as likely as not the result of his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his military service, and thus does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The case is being remanded for further development to corroborate the Veteran's account of hepatitis C exposure during service.

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

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination.