Hepatitis C decisions — 2016

The Veteran's spine disabilities, specifically degenerative joint disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine, are rated at 20 percent prior to July 9, 2009, and 40 percent beginning from that date. The Veteran also has right lower extremity radiculopathy as a neurological manifestation of his spine disability, which is separately rated at 10 percent prior to July 9, 2009, and 20 percent thereafter.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, hepatitis C, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as anxiety and depression), erectile dysfunction, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, and several types of neuropathy. The decision was based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining missing documents and VA treatment records, as well as SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if he suffers from current bilateral arm, knee, lumbar spine, hepatitis C, and skin conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for Hepatitis C, schizophrenia (application to reopen), and PTSD. The Veteran is scheduled for a hearing at the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and residuals of a right femur injury, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not manifested by intermittent fatigue, malaise, anorexia, or incapacitating episodes prior to January 11, 2013. Therefore, the claim for a compensable disability rating is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's liver disorder, including cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C, was not incurred or aggravated during service. The examiner opined it is less likely than not related to his military service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is related to active military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of tonsillitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for infectious hepatitis (to include hepatitis C), stomach disability, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) / intestinal condition, chronic otitis, and skin condition were all denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis was also denied as new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim.,The Board found that the medical records did not support a higher rating for tonsillitis and that there was no indication of any other conditions warranting a different evaluation.

The Board has determined that hepatitis C is related to the Veteran's active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bladder disorder is found to be etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for hepatitis C was granted.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C and denied it. The PTSD issue is being remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's Hepatitis C and lung disorder are not related to his military service, thus denying both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not service connected and his herpes infection of the mouth and lips with erythema multiform does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran was granted service connection for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder (Major depressive disorder with polysubstance dependence and substance induced mood disorder), but denied service connection for a throat disability and bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his service, including any potential herbicide exposure. The VA clinician provided an opinion concluding it less likely than not that the Veteran's hepatitis C began in or was otherwise the result of military exposure.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C (HCV) is denied. The decision is based on the lack of clear and unmistakable evidence showing that HCV existed prior to service, and also due to insufficient medical findings and opinions regarding the risk factors for contracting HCV.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for cirrhosis and hepatitis C, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including new VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a liver disorder, previously claimed as due to his service-connected anxiety disorder, is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduled hearing at VA's Central Office in Washington, DC. The Veteran requested a videoconference hearing instead.