Hepatitis C decisions — 2018

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic skin disorder, hypertension, and hepatitis C. The issues of entitlement to service connection for these conditions are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not service-connected, as it was more likely caused by post-service activities such as intravenous drug use and a blood transfusion after a burn incident. The issues of back condition and acquired psychiatric disorder are dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Board found that the submitted evidence since the July 2009 final denial is essentially cumulative of the evidence previously of record with regard to the basis for the prior denial, and thus did not meet the criteria for reopening any of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has determined that more development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current hepatitis C disability is related to his active service. The case is therefore being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's death is related to his service, including any potential connection between hypertension and Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.