Hepatitis C decisions — 2018

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for hepatitis C. The issues of service connection for skin disability and acquired psychiatric disability have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, sleep apnea, and right eye vision loss due to in-service right zygoma fracture are remanded. The Veteran also has a current diagnosis of hepatitis C which is the subject of an independent medical examination.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to his service-connected residuals of laceration of left calf. The reduction from 30 percent to 0 percent for recurrent cellulitis, left leg, was granted and the rating restored. Service connection for vasculitis, left lower extremity, and hepatitis C are remanded.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for psychophysiological gastrointestinal reaction (now claimed as gastrointestinal condition) is reopened, and the case is remanded to determine if it is related to his service-connected disabilities. The claim of service connection for Hepatitis C is also remanded.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was rated at 10 percent since April 18, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there were no daily fatigue, malaise, or anorexia requiring dietary restriction or continuous medication.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder has been reopened and is granted. The claims for Service Connection for Sleep Apnea, Liver Disability (other than Hepatitis C), Anxiety, PTSD, Dysthymic Disorder, and Depression are all remanded.

The Board is remanding the case due to the need for a supplemental medical opinion regarding the Veteran's liver condition and an updated Financial Status Report from the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of hepatitis C, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his in-service air gun inoculations and his current diagnosis of hepatitis C.

The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, right knee disorder, hepatitis C, and liver disorder due to the lack of evidence showing a current disability or a link between these conditions and active duty service. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's emergency medical care at Jupiter Medical Center was necessary due to an acute and hazardous condition, and that a prudent layperson would have reasonably expected delay in seeking treatment to be hazardous. The Board also found that no VA facility was feasibly available for immediate treatment. Therefore, reimbursement or payment is granted for the non-VA medical expenses incurred.

The Board denied service connection for heart condition, liver cancer, hepatitis C with liver cirrhosis, multiple myeloma, and acquired psychiatric disorder as the evidence did not show a relationship to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hand and wrist disability, as well as his hepatitis C, were not incurred or caused by service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or exposure to risk factors for these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. However, the issue of service connection for hepatitis C remains remanded as a VA medical opinion is needed to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to service or herbicide exposure.

Service connection is granted for adjustment disorder with disturbance of mood and conduct. Service connection is remanded for hepatitis C and hypertension.

Service connection is granted for hepatitis C. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing records and an incomplete medical opinion. The Veteran's hepatitis C is considered a current disability, but the cause of his condition remains unclear.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is at least as likely as not related to his in-service appendectomy, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, but the issues of a higher initial rating for PTSD and major depressive disorder, as well as a TDIU rating are remanded.

The Veteran's hepatitis C disability is being remanded for additional VA treatment records and an updated examination to determine the current severity of his condition.