Hepatitis C decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to new evidence received within one year of previous rating decisions. The issues include lumbar spine, cervical spine, left foot, left knee, colon disabilities, right eye strabismus hypertropia and exotropia, deviated nasal septum, and hepatitis C.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating based on his symptoms and medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether hepatitis C is related to service-connected hyperhidrosis and whether new evidence supports reopening claims for bilateral hearing loss and depression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was received on December 30, 2011. The Board denied an earlier effective date as the earliest possible effective date is December 30, 2011.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus type 2, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, anxiety, and depression due to outstanding service treatment records not being available. The Veteran is presumed to have had these conditions during his military service.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: the initial rating for lumbosacral strain with arthritis and the initial compensable rating for hepatitis C. The Veteran's back pain is suspected of worsening, and his hepatitis C symptoms need further evaluation.

The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C and ED, but denied service connection for DDD of the lumbar spine, COPD, seizures, MDD, and hypertension. The new evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C has been reopened and is granted. The Board also remanded the issues of increased rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae and entitlement to TDIU due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with cirrhosis and associated cirrhosis of the liver are being remanded for further development as part of a larger case involving his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records from Miami, Florida and private treatment records from Dr. R.B.S., as well as verifying his periods of active duty reserve service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and hypertension due to insufficient compliance with previous remand instructions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and awarded SMC based on the need of regular aid and attendance, but denied service connection for Hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C was denied as the evidence did not support a nexus to service. The Veteran's hepatitis C diagnosis came many years after separation from service.,Service connection for alcohol abuse was denied because it is considered willful misconduct and precluded by law.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to missing private medical records and the need for VA examinations.

The Board has received new evidence and is remanding the cases for further review by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, eye conditions, hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C, arthritis, and diabetes. The Veteran's private treatment records are needed, as well as the full set of his service treatment records.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to have been incurred in wartime service due to herbicide agent exposure. The Board granted service connection for this condition.,The cause of the Veteran’s death, cardiomyopathy, was found to be caused by his now service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Board has denied service connection for back disability, sleep apnea, heart disability, hypertension, and hepatitis C as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or are related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C and Vertigo were denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for Sleep Apnea was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and the inability of the VHA physician to provide clarification regarding his prior medical opinions. The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C remains under review.