Hepatitis C decisions — 2018

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C and a left elbow condition, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred during military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to service, specifically visiting foreign ports or cutting his hand on a valve in the boiler room during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is etiologically related to his exposure to blood during service, and thus grants service connection for hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate examination reports and opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C, specifically his exposure during service and whether it is related to his active-duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further evaluation of the Veteran's competency due to his history of substance abuse and mental health issues, including a traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is found to be related to service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and found no current right ear hearing loss disability. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently rated as non-compensable.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of HCVD as secondary to the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, a 100% disability rating for HCVD, and an SMC at housebound rate due to lack of evidence supporting these claims prior to February 26, 2001.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with a history of hepatitis B is currently rated at 40 percent, which meets the criteria for this condition. The appeal for an increased rating beyond this level has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, specifically a private medical opinion from Dr. Cam regarding his hepatitis C and kidney stones.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and multiple other conditions, have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The AOJ has determined that she is entitled to TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability.,Basic entitlement to non-service connected death pension benefits is denied.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and a dental disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is at least as likely as not incurred during service due to intravenous drug use (IVDU) associated with his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result, the claim for service connection for hepatitis C is granted.

The Board has granted compensation for hepatitis C under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and has also granted reopening of claims for service connection for an eye condition, respiratory disorder, and varicose veins.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits can be made regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for PTSD. The Veteran will need to provide additional evidence, including VA treatment records from specific facilities, as well as complete and return a hepatitis C risk factor questionnaire. A new VA examination for PTSD will also be scheduled.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis B and hepatitis C disabilities did not have their onset in service, were not related to his MOS as a medical corpsman, and denied his claim for service connection.