Hepatitis C decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for schizophrenia, PTSD, and various other conditions have been denied. The claim for joint pain, right knee condition, status post left leg fracture with pin placement, eye condition, sinusitis, acid reflux, hepatitis C, erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate, and athlete’s foot has also been denied due to lack of evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to missing military personnel records and service treatment records, as well as proper notice regarding the DIC claim.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and hearing loss service-connected conditions need to be re-evaluated due to recent assertions of increased severity. Updated VA examinations are required.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including left and right hip disabilities, heart condition, hypertension, Hepatitis C, residuals of stroke, numbness and claudication in all four extremities. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine if the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to service, specifically his basic training. The SSA records are also requested as they may be relevant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C, which was caused by an accidental needle stick during service, substantially contributed to his liver failure and subsequent death. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including a nervous disorder), hypertension, Hepatitis C, and substance abuse. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C as there is no competent medical evidence of a current disability.