Hepatitis C decisions — 2023

The Veteran's former spouse, L.L., is recognized as his dependent spouse for VA purposes from December 28, 2011 to November 1, 2015 due to the establishment of a combined disability rating of at least 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The VA is directed to schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work. Additionally, the VA should provide an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's edema of the lower extremities and gout are distinct disabilities caused or aggravated by his cirrhosis of the liver.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and hypertension have been rated based on their current manifestations, but the Board has not found evidence of additional symptoms warranting higher ratings.,For TDIU, the Veteran was granted a 100% schedular disability rating for chronic renal disease, which is considered an 'additional' disability in this context.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no current diagnosis and no evidence of in-service causation. The TDIU claim is dismissed as moot due to the Veteran's receipt of a total disability rating based on his service-connected lumbar and radiculopathy disabilities.

The Board has decided that Hepatitis C is service connected, but the issues of right knee and left knee disabilities are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cause of death, finding that his TBI, alcohol and drug use, and hepatitis C caused his liver cancer and ultimately led to his death. The decision is based on new evidence submitted by the appellant.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C as there is no current diagnosis of this condition in the record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a liver disorder, including hepatitis C and status post-liver transplant, as well as for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD as secondary to a liver disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during or were related to service.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, but granted service connection for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric condition secondary to hepatitis C.,Service connection was established for hepatitis C based on evidence of treatment in service and the Veteran's current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and denied service connection for Hepatitis C and cirrhosis due to lack of evidence supporting a nexus to service, including exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's colon cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer are all granted as service-connected.,A respiratory disability other than lung cancer is denied. Service connection for Hepatitis C is also denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C and increased ratings for PTSD, multiple traumas to left hand, dermatitis, and a scar are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted the appellant's application to reopen her claims for service connection for hepatitis C and left knee disability, but denied a higher rating for her left shoulder disability. The claim for service connection for cause of death is also remanded.

The Veteran's dental disorder claim is denied as he does not have a current condition for which compensation may be awarded. The hepatitis C and PTSD claims are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has reopened the claims for PTSD and Sleep Apnea due to new evidence received. The remaining issues are remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Hepatitis C began during his military service and continues to this day, granting service connection for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims of service connection for liver disease and back condition, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.