Hepatitis C Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing before the Board.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hepatitis C. The Veteran's statements regarding his current conditions are outweighed by VA treatment records showing the onset of these conditions post-service.

The Veteran's liver disability, including Hepatitis C and hepatic steatosis, is being remanded for further examination. His right foot, toes of the right foot, and left foot disabilities are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was granted.,Service connection for hepatitis C and liver transplant as secondary to hepatitis C were also granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C is as likely as not the result of jet injector vaccinations he received during his military service, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic hepatitis C was not incurred in service and does not have any other liver condition. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for residuals of an insect bite, residuals of a tapeworm infection, and low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to eligibility issues for being a substitute appellant, and the service connection claims will be reconsidered based on this determination.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions and disabilities, including increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and degenerative joint disease, service connection for PTSD, a bilateral knee and foot condition, depression, asthma, food poisoning, a gunshot wound to the left leg due to the right hand as secondary to bilateral hand condition, anxiety, a bilateral arm condition, a bilateral leg condition, a bilateral hand condition, hepatitis C, sleep apnea, urinary retention, and memory loss. The appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's current Hepatitis C is not related to service, as there was no evidence linking his in-service hepatitis to his current condition.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C in December 2010, finding no evidence of an in-service diagnosis or manifestation of the condition. The Veteran's motion alleging clear and unmistakable error (CUE) was dismissed as there is no clear error in the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and attempting to substantiate his claims of service connection for Hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying claimed risk factors and obtaining VA outpatient records. A VA examination is also required to determine if hepatitis C was incurred in service.

The Board has found that further development is needed for VA to fulfill its duties to notify and assist, including obtaining SSA records and securing all relevant treatment records. The Veteran's hepatitis C claim will be remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his military service. His PTSD and major depressive disorder rating and TDIU claims will also be remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a right arm fracture, hepatitis C, and cirrhosis of the liver due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran did not have a current disability and there was no evidence of an in-service event or disease. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for Hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and psychiatric disabilities do not warrant the requested increased ratings or TDIU prior to September 17, 2013. The thoracolumbar spine and skin disabilities are not service-connected.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was found to be incurred in service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The other claims are remanded for further development.