Hepatitis C Board decisions

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of HCVD as secondary to the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, a 100% disability rating for HCVD, and an SMC at housebound rate due to lack of evidence supporting these claims prior to February 26, 2001.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with a history of hepatitis B is currently rated at 40 percent, which meets the criteria for this condition. The appeal for an increased rating beyond this level has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, specifically a private medical opinion from Dr. Cam regarding his hepatitis C and kidney stones.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and multiple other conditions, have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The AOJ has determined that she is entitled to TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability.,Basic entitlement to non-service connected death pension benefits is denied.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and a dental disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is at least as likely as not incurred during service due to intravenous drug use (IVDU) associated with his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result, the claim for service connection for hepatitis C is granted.

The Board has granted compensation for hepatitis C under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and has also granted reopening of claims for service connection for an eye condition, respiratory disorder, and varicose veins.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits can be made regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for PTSD. The Veteran will need to provide additional evidence, including VA treatment records from specific facilities, as well as complete and return a hepatitis C risk factor questionnaire. A new VA examination for PTSD will also be scheduled.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis B and hepatitis C disabilities did not have their onset in service, were not related to his MOS as a medical corpsman, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted reconsideration of the previously denied claim for service connection for bilateral foot disorders. The claim for hepatitis C is not supported by evidence that it was incurred during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and residuals of a liver transplant. The decision is based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied. For his hepatitis B and C, the Veteran received a 10% rating based on intermittent fatigue, malaise, anorexia, but without incapacitating episodes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, frostbite of the hands and feet, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability due to incomplete medical opinions and need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, left ankle disorder, left Achilles tendon disorder, and bilateral knee disorders were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service. The Veteran did not provide sufficient medical evidence to establish a nexus between his current conditions and military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and anxiety disorder was denied, as the evidence did not show a relationship to service. His hepatitis C rating remained at 20 percent, with no new information provided that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board finds that the weight of the probative evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's hepatitis C is related to his active service. The VA experts determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not etiologically related to active military service and identified his long history of high risk behaviors as more likely the cause of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for hepatitis C was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision. The HIV claim is granted with a 30 percent rating.