Hepatitis C decisions — 2016

The Veteran's basal cell carcinoma is at least as likely as not the result of herbicide exposure and sun exposure during service. The RO granted service connection for this disability. Other issues remain pending in appellate status.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for hepatitis C and diabetes mellitus were denied as there was no prior claim or indication of intent to file a claim before the respective effective dates.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and any related Social Security Administration records. He also needs to be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his sleep disorder, erectile dysfunction, acid reflux, and hepatitis C.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or caused by his active duty service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, prostate cancer, and hepatitis C, are found to be at least as likely as not preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. As his combined rating was 80% prior to August 1, 2012, the claim is granted for this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his service, specifically due to a dishonorable discharge from his second period of service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver were found to meet criteria for a 100% disability rating for hepatitis C from June 20, 2013. The Veteran was also granted SMC at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death (small bowel ischemia, hypotension, and sepsis) was not causally or etiologically related to his military service. The in-service back injury did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is found to be related to his service, and the claim for service connection for this condition is granted. The claims for secondary service connection for liver disorder other than hepatitis C, colon cancer, and diabetes mellitus are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that additional VA treatment records are needed for the Veteran's PTSD and hepatitis C claims, as these records may impact the adjudication of her appeal. The case is therefore being remanded to allow for this development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C as there is no current diagnosis of this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD and Hepatitis C.

The Veteran's HCV, bilateral hallux valgus, and LUE cubital tunnel syndrome were all granted service connection. However, the Veteran was denied higher initial evaluations for his HCV (currently rated 10%), right foot hallux valgus (rated 0%), left foot hallux valgus (rated 0%), and LUE cubital tunnel syndrome (rated 10%).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The appellant is seeking to substitute as the claimant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for liver disease, claimed as Hepatitis C, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (mood disorder, lumbosacral strain, migraines, hepatitis C, right and left foot bunions, and pes planus) do not prevent her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hepatitis C was incurred during service, around the time he was diagnosed with hepatitis B in 1977.