The Board found that the veteran had submitted new and material evidence sufficient to reopen his claim for service connection for hepatitis, which was first diagnosed long after service. The medical opinions linking the veteran's hepatitis C to transfusions in service were accepted as proof of such transfusions under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b). As a result, the Board granted service connection for hepatitis C.
The deciding factor: The new evidence included statements from the veteran and medical opinions linking his hepatitis to transfusions he received during service in Vietnam.
- Claimed conditions
- hepatitis
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 28, 2000
- Citation
- 0005139
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0005139.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for hepatitis and diabetic nephropathy as the evidence did not show a current disability related to active duty service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's cause of death due to hepatitis, finding no evidence that it was related to his military service.
- Partly granted
The Board denied the claim for service connection for a dental condition and remanded claims for service connection for hepatitis, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a left shoulder condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for hepatitis to ensure a VA examination and medical opinion are obtained, addressing potential pre-service exposure and in-service herbicide agent exposure.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.