Hepatitis C decisions — 2015

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and cirrhosis/chicken wire fibrosis of the liver, finding that these conditions are related to active duty service. The Veteran's current condition is considered at least as likely due to an in-service air gun inoculation.

The Board found that the Veteran's HCV was not related to his active service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his in-service exposure and his current condition. The medical opinions provided by VA examiners supported this conclusion.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's representative, who stated that an award of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition with a 70% evaluation and TDIU benefits would satisfy all issues on appeal. These conditions were satisfied in October 2014, November 2014, and September 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his hepatitis C disability. Additionally, he must be provided with a statement of the case addressing whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen previously denied claims for chronic fatigue syndrome and psoriasis arthritis as secondary to service-connected hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected Hepatitis-C disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee and left femur disabilities have been granted increased ratings, while the claim for restoration of a rating for lateral instability has been upheld. The liver conditions are not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling of VA examinations to determine the severity and etiology of his hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 19, 2003, for the award of service connection for end-stage renal disease has been granted. The effective date is set at August 19, 2003.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by septicemia due to or as a consequence of liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis C, which are service-connected conditions. The appellant's claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety. The Veteran's hepatitis C, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and pain in the right and left sides are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his service-connected conditions or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification of his separation code, further details surrounding the events he claims caused his claimed disabilities, and to obtain any outstanding private treatment records from the Martin Luther King Clinic.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records, as well as the need to determine if the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his active service and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for hepatitis C was denied as there is no current disability. The claim for loss of teeth, claimed as secondary to hepatitis C, was also denied due to lack of evidence of a service-connected condition.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, as the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that it was incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD. The claim for hepatitis C remains pending and will require further examination or evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cirrhosis of the liver associated with underlying hepatitis B and C is being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. The AOJ will arrange for a VA examination to address the etiology of his current condition, including in-service tattoos.