Hepatitis C decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C as new and material evidence was not received, despite previous denials.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his condition, including whether it was related to in-service air gun inoculations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C has not been reopened as the submitted evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate this claim.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has not been reopened due to the lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin rashes and skin tumors has not been reopened as the submitted evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate this claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased evaluations for his service-connected low back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy and neuralgia of the sciatic nerve, varicose veins of the left leg, and liver disability. These matters are being remanded to allow for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and a rating in excess of 40 percent for seizure disorder. The issue of service connection for hepatitis C remains denied.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is remanded for further examination and opinion as his service connection claim may be related to in-service events.

Service connection is granted for Hepatitis C, and the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has denied service connection for high blood pressure, Barrett's Disease, esophageal varices with bands (to include as secondary to cirrhosis of the liver), bleeding ulcers, cirrhosis of the liver, hiatal hernia and Hepatitis C. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not granted an initial compensable rating prior to February 3, 2012. From that date, a maximum 100 percent disability rating for hepatitis C is granted. Effective August 14, 2012, the Veteran qualifies for SMC at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities. Prior to February 3, 2012, he was not entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a facial fracture was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria under Diagnostic Code 9905.,Service connection for hepatitis C was granted, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

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

The appeal is denied for the claims of service connection for hepatitis C, left shoulder disorder, acid reflux, erectile dysfunction, sleep disorder, and headaches. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and anxiety reaction) has been reopened.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the condition and active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hepatitis C may be related to his active duty service, but needs a medical opinion to confirm this.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hepatitis C, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as secondary to hepatitis C, and diabetes mellitus, type II as secondary to hepatitis C due to insufficient clarification of the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C. The case will be returned for an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician.

The Board has remanded the cases of hepatitis B and hepatitis C for further development, including obtaining medical opinions to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower abdominal disability, including cirrhosis, hepatitis C, pancreatitis, and a stomach condition, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death, as a medical opinion is required to determine if his fatal hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma may be related to his presumed exposure to herbicides during service.