Hepatitis C decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis-C and a gastrointestinal disorder, both of which were claimed as resulting from herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge of the Board.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for infectious hepatitis and hepatitis C, finding that both conditions existed prior to service and were not aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C and did not address his right arm disability due to insufficient evidence. The appeal is remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to a failure to comply with VCAA notice and duty-to-assist provisions. The veteran is required to undergo VA psychiatric and liver examinations, and all relevant records must be obtained from Social Security Administration.

The Board found that the veteran's fatal liver disease began many years after service and was not caused by any incident of service, including intravenous drug use or tattoos. Therefore, it denied service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues regarding service connection for hepatitis C and HIV-related illness. The appeal is currently on hold while additional evidence is gathered.

The Board has granted a higher initial evaluation of 40 percent for hepatitis C, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's hepatitis C, including whether it had its onset in service.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis C was dismissed due to the death of the veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and Hepatitis C due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange). The veteran's claims were not supported by new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for Hepatitis C and assigned a 30 percent disability rating for the left shoulder disability. The other issues remain pending.

The Board has determined that a medical opinion from a gastroenterologist is needed to determine the cause of the veteran's hepatitis C, as there are conflicting opinions in the file. The RO should also provide the veteran with proper VCAA notice and assist him in obtaining any missing medical records.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, hepatitis C, and a skin disorder. The case is now remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.