Hepatitis C Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for allergic rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), hepatitis C, and hypertension as the evidence did not support a link to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression not otherwise specified was granted. The claims for service connection for congestive heart failure with hypertension and diabetes mellitus were denied, while the liver disability (to include hepatitis C) claim is pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, substance abuse, and hepatitis C due to inadequate medical opinions in previous addendum evaluations. The Veteran's conditions are being reviewed again by a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for infectious hepatitis and hepatitis C, as well as his claim for a total disability based on individual unemployability prior to July 6, 2017. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the Veteran's service treatment records regarding upper respiratory infections and venereal disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has remanded them for further development. The case is also remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of current Hepatitis C, liver disease residuals (including liver transplant), and osteoporosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and medical opinions. The issues include psychiatric conditions, gastroenteritis, hepatitis B and C, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, tinnitus, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, bilateral hearing loss, and a right wrist disability.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for hepatitis C, to include as secondary to a service-connected disability. The case must be reviewed with consideration of VA law and policy regarding substance abuse.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy, and coronary artery disease due to insufficient information in the service treatment records regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and cirrhosis did not manifest signs or symptoms that more nearly approximated a compensable rating prior to January 9, 2014.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or contributed to by service, including herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support a finding of hepatitis C or cirrhosis as being related to service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has granted a 40 percent rating. The case is remanded for further development to determine if higher ratings are warranted.

The Veteran seeks earlier effective dates for his hepatitis C disability ratings. The Board finds that the issues are not factually ascertainable and remands for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C and bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's request to reopen the claim for service connection for hepatitis C is granted, and the Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a medical opinion on whether his hepatitis C was incurred during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a liver condition other than Hepatitis C and for Hepatitis C, finding that the preponderance of the evidence is against these claims.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for hepatitis C, concluding that the condition was not incurred or aggravated by active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression. The Veteran's hepatitis C is linked to in-service air gun immunizations and sexual contacts. His depression is linked to his service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board has remanded both claims for neck and scalp cysts, as well as hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver. The remand requires additional development including obtaining updated VA treatment records, a statement of the case (SOC), and an appropriate VA examination to determine if any current disabilities are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, paranoia, and insomnia due to a lack of VA examinations. The Veteran is not entitled to nonservice-connected pension benefits as he did not serve in active duty for at least 90 days during a period of war.