Hepatitis C decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case for further development and clarification regarding who is the appellant in this appeal, as well as to obtain authorizations for outstanding medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hepatitis C, and cirrhosis of the liver due to potential new evidence submitted by the appellant. The cases are now pending further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to a lack of recent medical evidence, new theories of entitlement, or procedural issues.

The Veteran's right hip disorder, genitourinary disorder other than erectile dysfunction (epididymo-orchitis), nasal disorder, and several musculoskeletal conditions are remanded for further development.,Service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions is being remanded due to insufficient evidence linking them to service exposure or service-connected disabilities. Further examination and opinion may be necessary under recent changes in law related to toxic exposure claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic hepatitis C and sleep apnea have been reopened. The Board has ordered remand to obtain medical opinions regarding the relationship of these conditions to military service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's chronic liver disease and chronic fatigue syndrome. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions and conduct further development as needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hepatitis C, and a right foot disorder were denied as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service. The appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver associated with Hepatitis C is granted effective from September 4, 2009.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary due to the timeliness of a VA Form 9 submitted in May 2018. The other issues on appeal are inextricably intertwined with this determination and will be remanded for further consideration.

The Board has dismissed the claims for entitlement to service connection for a substance abuse disorder and Hepatitis C. The previously denied claim for schizophrenia was reopened, but the issue of service connection remains remanded due to additional development needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection for Hepatitis C and Skin Cancer are remanded due to outstanding STRs and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has denied service connection for hepatitis C, liver disability, and heart disability. The claim for PTSD is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence and outstanding military personnel records. The claims will be reconsidered, and a VA examination will be scheduled to address the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as well as the right knee disability.

The Veteran's Hepatitis C and seizure disorder claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C has rendered him unemployable since January 5, 2010. The Board granted an extraschedular total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) with this effective date.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected multiple traumas to left hand, fingers, and tendons. His PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating, but no higher. The Veteran's condition of surgical repairs and joint fusions of multiple traumas to the left hand, fingers, and tendons does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently non-symptomatic and not causing any incapacitating episodes. As such, he does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7354.

The Board denied service connection for Hepatitis C and liver cancer secondary to Hepatitis C.,Service connection was not granted as there is no direct evidence of Hepatitis C in service, and the Veteran's liver cancer is likely related to his pre-existing Hepatitis C.