Hepatitis C decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied as there is no credible evidence of a link between his in-service exposure and the current condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, rash on penis (claimed as genital herpes), circumcision of phimosis due to venereal warts, penis, osteophytes in the lumbar spine, depression, and PTSD.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was evaluated as 20 percent disabling from March 29, 2006 through January 21, 2015. The symptoms included daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia without weight loss or hepatomegaly, but with incapacitating episodes lasting less than two weeks.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a DRO hearing and because two of his claims may be affected by the earlier effective date claim.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred in service due to herbicide exposure, and his hepatitis C is presumed to be related to service. The Veteran has not provided sufficient evidence to establish direct service connection for either condition.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to a risk factor of receiving blood transfusions during active military service. The claim for psychosis was denied as there was no qualifying wartime service period under which the benefit could be sought. Service connection for PTSD and depression is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and there is no evidence linking any diagnosed psychiatric condition to service. The claims for heart condition and hepatitis C are also denied as there is insufficient evidence to support their connection to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C did not manifest during service and is not otherwise etiologically related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI and Hepatitis C are not related to service, while partial complex seizures have been denied due to lack of evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and hepatitis C were not incurred or aggravated in service, and a psychosis may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not present during service or for many years thereafter and is not otherwise etiologically related to service. The Board has denied the claim of service connection for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for glaucoma was denied as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease, and the current disability does not appear to be related to his active service. The claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder and hepatitis C were also denied.

The Board denied service connection for Hepatitis C (liver disease) and residuals of pilonidal cyst, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the cause of the Veteran's death and whether it is related to his service, including exposure to herbicides. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 20 percent prior to November 10, 2008 and remains at that level since then. The combined evaluation of major depressive disorder and hepatitis C is proper. The Veteran does not meet the schedular threshold for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have tuberculosis, hepatitis C, or diabetes mellitus during the appeals period and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis B and finds no evidence to support service connection for either hepatitis B or C. The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is less likely than not incurred in or caused by air gun vaccinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The issue of service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, but denied the claim as there was no current diagnosis of such condition.