Hepatitis C decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the causes of the Veteran's COPD, hepatitis C virus, and skin rash. The issues related to tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and service connection for a skin rash are denied as they did not manifest within one year of service separation or were caused by in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to conflicting opinions from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's in-service symptoms and their relation to his current conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The appeal for Hepatitis C, which was previously denied due to lack of evidence in the record, is remanded and will be readjudicated based on new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for hepatitis C, sickle cell anemia, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was granted. The effective date remains to be determined as it pertains to a prior final decision.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the increased rating for left wrist disorder and the increase in disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss, dermatitis, and left great toe disorder. Service connection for hepatitis C and obstructive sleep apnea remains denied.

The Board has determined that it is not possible to determine if the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to his active duty service prior to March 29, 1984 without resorting to speculation. The case is therefore being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to hepatitis C and alcohol use disorder, finding that there was no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hepatitis C may be related to in-service symptoms, but needs further evidence to make a determination. The case is being sent back for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's cirrhosis of the liver warrants an initial 70 percent disability rating, but no higher, for the period prior to June 15, 2017. The Board found that his symptoms included two or more episodes of hemorrhage from varices or portal gastropathy (erosive gastritis) and portal hypertension.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, liver cancer, portal vein thrombosis, and left total hip replacement as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his in-service air gun inoculations and his current condition. The Board also found other risk factors more likely responsible for the Veteran's hepatitis C.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for urinary frequency and itchy skin have been dismissed.,Service connection for hepatitis C has not been established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Hepatitis C claim is inextricably intertwined with his claims for liver disease and transplant, scar from liver transplant, and diabetes mellitus. The issues are therefore remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claim for service connection for Hepatitis C is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C has been reopened, but the Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of his liver condition.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and liver cancer, finding that the Veteran's conditions began during or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and hypogonadism, both claimed as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Addison's disease.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C has been reopened and remanded. The Board found new and material evidence to support the reopening of this claim.,The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his current disability level does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C and liver cancer due to potential errors in the previous opinions and the need for additional development regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service, including a blood transfusion during a tonsillectomy, and his current conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's conditions and his enlarged navicular tuberosities.