The Board finds that the Veteran's chronic hepatitis C and liver damage are likely due to exposure to contaminated blood during his active service, particularly in connection with his service in the Republic of Vietnam. The claim is granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports a finding that the Veteran was exposed to contaminated blood during his military service, which is considered a risk factor for hepatitis C and liver damage.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Hepatitis C, Liver damage
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 24, 2009
- Citation
- 0915383
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 0915383.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic hepatitis C and sleep apnea have been reopened. The Board has ordered remand to obtain medical opinions regarding the relationship of these conditions to military service.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hepatitis C and liver damage, as secondary to hepatitis C. The decision is based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection of chronic Hepatitis C is being remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding its etiology. The VA examiner needs to consider all available information, including the Veteran's statements about his military service and any potential exposure.
- Granted
The Veteran's polyarthritis associated with chronic Hepatitis C is rated at a 20 percent disability level, effective from the date of her claim in April 23, 2008. An earlier effective date prior to this date is denied.
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