The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board also remanded the issue of whether cirrhosis of the liver is related to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol dependence.,The Board found no evidence linking hepatitis C to service and concluded that its onset was more likely due to post-service drug use. For cirrhosis, a new medical opinion is needed to determine if it is caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD with alcohol dependence.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that there was insufficient evidence linking hepatitis C to service and concluded that its onset was more likely due to post-service drug use.,For cirrhosis, the Board found no direct link to service but remanded for a determination on whether it is caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD with alcohol dependence.
- Claimed conditions
- Hepatitis C, Cirrhosis of the liver
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 10, 2021
- Citation
- 21013897
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 21013897.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as service-connected, with the Board finding it related to his active duty service and aggravated by his service-connected tibia fractures. The claim for hepatitis C is remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding its etiology.,Service connection for depressive disorder is established based on direct evidence of a current disability (depressive disorder) that was incurred during active duty service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected Hepatitis C, lumbar DDD with strain, osteomyelitis, and loss of use of right foot disability rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. Effective October 28, 2008, the Veteran meets the criteria for SMC under various provisions.
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