Hepatitis C Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C, an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence. The claims will be further developed as outlined in the decision.

The Veteran's hepatitis C disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is warranted. Additionally, the Veteran has raised a claim for TDIU in conjunction with his hepatitis C disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, bilateral inguinal and ventral hernias, and entitlement to a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C has been reopened. The claims for hypertension and COPD have not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection for lung cancer is denied as the condition did not manifest within one year post-service. Effective dates are granted for major depressive disorder, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, other than nightmare disorder (claimed as PTSD), was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.,Service connection for Nightmare Disorder was granted. The VA examiner concluded it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran’s diagnosed nightmare disorder was incurred in service.

The claim for service connection for hepatitis C has been reopened and granted. However, the Veteran's hearing loss is remanded for further examination.

The Board has denied service connection for hepatitis C and remanded the issue of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his active duty service, while his PTSD may be due to a superimposed disease or injury during service.

The Veteran's cause of death is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records related to his hepatitis C.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a liver condition, including Hepatitis C, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current diagnosis and service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip disability and hepatitis C, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C was denied in an August 2006 rating decision. The RO determined that the evidence did not establish a relationship between the condition and any in-service risk factors.,The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date for PTSD prior to March 10, 2006 is dismissed as untimely filed.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains pending. The RO will schedule him for a VA examination to determine the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board dismissed all issues due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and psychiatric disorders due to incomplete records, including prison medical records. The case will be processed as though the request for a hearing had been withdrawn.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for hepatitis C and finds that it is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's military service, granting the claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C, otitis media, and a skin condition (excluding lichen planus) due to potential service connection based on exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The Veteran's representative requested new VA examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran's hepatitis A, B, and C have been rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated medical records and conduct a VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his service-connected hepatitis.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been granted.,The case of service connection for hepatitis C is remanded and will be reconsidered based on the provided information.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as a need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current hepatitis B and C diagnoses are related to his service or his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features) as these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C.

The appeal as to hepatitis C is dismissed. The appeals for service connection and rating increase related to the Veteran's low back condition, right leg radiculopathy, neuritis pain disorder of the right upper extremity, and residual scarring of the right hand are remanded.