Hepatitis C decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and lichen planus due to incomplete records and need for additional development.

The Veteran's hepatitis C, PTSD, and prostate adenocarcinoma residuals are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for alcoholism, hepatitis C, an eye disorder, and a skin disorder as the evidence did not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's hepatitis C, tinnitus, and PTSD claims have been denied. The VA has granted a 70% rating for PTSD beginning August 1, 2016, but the effective date is not specified.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence in some areas, including a VA examination that did not adequately address the Veteran's service connection claim. The claims will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hepatitis C may be related to his service, specifically the use of air injection guns for immunizations. However, more evidence is needed from a medical expert to confirm this relationship.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative spondylosis of L5 and rheumatoid arthritis (presumed due to hepatitis C), rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 25, 2012. His TDIU claim is granted on an extraschedular basis from May 4, 2009.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that December 4, 2017 is the proper effective date based on a reopened claim. The Veteran died in June 2007 and was not previously service-connected for any of the causes of his death.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran's depressive disorder, however, has been granted service connection.,Service connection for unspecified depressive disorder has been established based on a finding that the condition began during active duty and is related to service.

The Board has decided the PTSD and TDIU claims, denying a higher rating for PTSD and granting a TDIU. The hepatitis C claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's HCV was caused by or aggravated beyond natural progression during service. Additional examination and medical opinion are needed.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is being remanded for further examination and opinion as the cause of his condition during service needs to be determined.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred during active service and is not related to any in-service event, injury, or disease. The claim for service connection for hepatitis C is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's Hepatitis C.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there is not a nexus between his current condition and military service.

The Board has determined that an expert opinion from an infectious disease specialist is needed to address whether the Veteran's hepatitis C infection was caused by VA treatment in 2007 and/or 2008, and if so, whether it was due to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instances of fault.

The Board has remanded the claims for Hepatitis C and left foot condition due to potential new evidence received by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's facial rash. The remaining issues, including service connection for PTSD, CAD, hepatitis C, and varicocele, are still pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to service, including a possible exposure during military service. The VA examiner will need to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Board has granted a TDIU from December 31, 2012 based on the combined effects of service-connected depression and hepatitis C. The initial compensable rating for hepatitis C is dismissed as part of a withdrawn claim.