Hepatitis C decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C are denied as there is no evidence of any unadjudicated formal or informal claim prior to August 5, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, depression, PTSD, and diabetes mellitus type II due to a lack of medical evidence on record regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii during his service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including mid-back fibromyositis, right and left shoulder strain, and hepatitis C, do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The Board denied the TDIU claim as there is no evidence showing that his service-connected conditions fully preclude all forms of employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination report, and a need for further analysis regarding whether the in-service hepatitis A was an early manifestation or cause of the Veteran's current hepatitis C.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is likely due to his active duty service and considering all medical opinions in favor of a service origin.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the reopening of his hepatitis C claim has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and secondary service connection for cirrhosis of the liver as a result of hepatitis C, both on a direct basis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that it is related to his intravenous drug use during service and thus not incurred in the line of duty.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy. The claims for service connection for Hepatitis C and TDIU are also remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for hepatitis C and has determined that he is entitled to this benefit based on evidence showing a link between his in-service exposure to air gun vaccinations and his current diagnosis of hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was reopened in October 2016 due to a change in his military discharge status. The effective date of the award is set at October 5, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver is being remanded due to issues with the adequacy of the March 2017 VA examination, as well as the need to obtain additional medical records from Hines VAMC.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's reported stressor involving a fellow service member. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's cause of death is due to liver failure, which was caused by diabetes mellitus type II. The Board finds that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II had its onset during his service and led to his fatal chronic liver rejection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, arthritis, knee disabilities, and hepatitis C. The claims are being remanded due to inconsistencies in the evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of sleep apnea and hepatitis C for further development, including obtaining private medical records and providing a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and thrombocytopenia due to hepatitis C. The VA is instructed to obtain records related to a blood transfusion and/or skin graft at Long Beach Naval Hospital in the 1970s and provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and hepatitis C are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hepatitis C and renal insufficiency and kidney stones as secondary to hepatitis C due to new evidence and a need for further medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis with severe ascites, kidney failure, bilateral edema of legs and feet, and fibromyalgia due to a lack of an opinion on their etiology. The cause of death is also being remanded as it is related to hepatitis C.