The Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, erectile dysfunction (secondary to diabetes mellitus), and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus were denied. The claim of new and material evidence for hepatitis C was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The submitted evidence did not provide a nexus between the Veteran's current hepatitis C and his service, nor did it relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was shown to require regulation of activities (in addition to insulin and restricted diet).
- Claimed conditions
- Hepatitis C, Diabetes Mellitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 29, 2014
- Citation
- 1433718
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 1433718.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Denied
The Board denied a compensable initial rating for Hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's condition was asymptomatic and did not meet the criteria for any higher rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's Hepatitis C with cirrhosis is related to service, and therefore grants service connection for these conditions.
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