Hepatitis C decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for hepatitis C, thus denying the appeal.

The Veteran's left hand disability was not incurred during service and is not related to his active service. The Veteran's hepatitis C has resulted in intermittent fatigue, malaise, or anorexia for at least one week but less than two weeks over the past year, warranting a 10% disability rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of this claim due to a lack of sufficient competent medical evidence to decide the claim, and remands the case for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of frostbite to the face and gums, a dental disorder (teeth number 18 and 19 extracted), an inguinal hernia, Hepatitis C, a gastrointestinal disorder claimed as acid reflux, or intestinal polyps due to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and Hepatitis C, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol dependence. Service connection for a left knee disability was denied due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed hepatitis C is related to the in-service tattoos, and the Board finds that service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C was denied as there is no evidence that the condition resulted from VA care, and the Board found other risk factors for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and hepatitis C, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, were denied. The Board found that there is no current evidence of hepatitis C or a respiratory disorder. Regarding the hearing loss claim, the most recent VA audiological examination was from May 2011 and is not recent enough for rating purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing supplemental medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hepatitis C and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and thus denied all of his claims for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C and found that new evidence supports a reopening, but does not establish service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for dysthymic disorder, hepatitis C, and parvovirus. The effective date for the grant of service connection is set at May 16, 2007.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder was incurred in service and the Board finds that he is entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's death occurred, and the appellant is seeking to substitute for him in his pending claims of increased evaluation for hepatitis C and TDIU. The appeal is being remanded to determine if the appellant can be substituted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C did not have a direct relationship to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in permanent and total disability that is due to the loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities so as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. The Board grants entitlement to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hepatitis C infection and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) were denied. The evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board has found that new evidence submitted since his last rating decision raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim for service connection. The other issues are related to increased evaluations and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and SSA disability benefits records.

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