Hepatitis C Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected hepatitis C was denied as there were no current signs or symptoms attributable to the condition, and no incapacitating episodes due to his liver condition.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral pes planus, hypertension, hepatitis C, and a residual kidney disability as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions in the record.

The Veteran's claim for a low back condition was denied due to lack of evidence of chronic disability.,Service connection for left knee disability is not granted as there is no current diagnosis.,Hypertension is not service connected as it did not begin during service and has no link to in-service events or diseases.,The Veteran's hepatitis C is found to be service-connected, likely due to high-risk sexual activity while in service.,An earlier effective date of July 9, 2012, for the award of service connection for left eye conjunctivitis/ptosis is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease, right knee condition (also claimed as bilateral knee condition and right leg condition), hypertension, and hepatitis C due to inadequate examination opinions and outstanding service treatment records.

The Board has remanded both the claims for service connection for hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver (claimed as secondary to hepatitis C) due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's hepatitis C may be related to his in-service hospitalization, but a medical opinion is needed to determine its etiology. The cirrhosis claim will also be remanded as it will significantly impact the pending hepatitis C claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents and insufficient medical opinion supporting a link between hepatitis C and service. The Veteran's current diagnosis is attributed to his risk factors rather than service.

The Board has remanded the cases of hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, and hemorrhoids for further development. The claims for service connection are not yet decided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis and diabetes mellitus, type I. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and service.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C because the Veteran's claim was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, and his contentions were not supported by the record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and death pension eligibility due to issues being intertwined with substitution requests. The Appellant is asked to choose whether she wishes to pursue her husband's claims as a substitute or for accrued benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection in multiple areas, including heart disability as secondary to pre-pyloric ulcer with antrum scarring and hiatal hernia, liver disability with hepatitis C, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), sleep apnea, skin disability (Stevens Johnson syndrome), and right leg disability. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening these claims or establishing service connection.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for hepatitis C was denied due to lack of evidence showing in-service incurrence or causation.,Service connection for a skin disorder (pruritus and lichen planus) has been granted based on new evidence showing current disability related to service.,Depression secondary to PTSD is now considered service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim. The Veteran submitted additional evidence in support of his claim but it was deemed redundant or insufficient to raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C, specifically her in-service blood transfusion. The Veteran is asked to provide a more definitive opinion on whether her hepatitis C was related to service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not manifested during service and is not shown to be causally related to his military service. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted a 10% evaluation from November 26, 2012.,Service connection for scars on the left and right medial thighs is granted.,Service connection for hepatitis C is reopened and granted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depressive disorder) is reopened and granted.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in service and the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C and seizure disorder, as these conditions may be related to his active service. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations for both conditions.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for low back disability is denied.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for tuberculosis is denied.,The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C is granted. Service connection for hepatitis C is denied.,A disability manifested by cramps in the thighs and legs has not been established.,Service connection for a hammertoe of the right foot has not been established.,Allergic rhinitis did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.,Hypertension did not have its onset in service; did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period; and is not otherwise related to service.,Erectile dysfunction did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.,A prostate disorder did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.,Toenail fungus did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.,An acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to service.