Hepatitis C decisions — 2003

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including scheduling a VA psychiatric and hepatitis C examination. The issues of service connection for drug and alcohol abuse (claimed as secondary to PTSD) and hepatitis C are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and to cure a procedural defect, including providing VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the veteran's claimed in-service stressful experiences for PTSD and to obtain a VA examination regarding his hepatitis C. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The VA Regional Office (RO) denied the veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C.

The veteran's claim for additional convalescent benefits was denied, and his request for service connection for hepatitis C remains unresolved.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for hepatitis C, secondary to a service-connected postoperative total left hip replacement. The appeal is allowed to this extent.

The Board found no evidence of hepatitis C or cirrhosis during service, and the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions are related to military service. The appeal is denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected hepatitis B and C from November 18, 1997 was denied by the RO.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The veteran's service connection for sleep apnea was granted. The issues of service connection for Hepatitis B, Porphyria Cutanea Tarda, Hepatocellular Liver Disease secondary to Hepatitis C infection, Degenerative Joint Disease of the Cervical Spine and Degenerative Disc Disease C5-6 with Mild Neural Foraminal Encroachment, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were all granted. The veteran's service connection for bilateral high frequency sensorineural hearing loss is pending.

The Board denied service connection for a liver disorder, claimed as hepatitis C, due to herbicide exposure and secondary to service-connected second degree burn scars. The veteran did not have a current liver disability or diagnosed disability of hepatitis B or C that manifested during service or within one year of service, was not etiologically related to herbicide (Agent Orange) exposure in service, and is not otherwise related by competent medical evidence to active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hepatitis C or residuals of epididymitis, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis C was dismissed because the veteran had died and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the appeal.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence or clarification. The case will be returned to the RO for any necessary actions before being sent back to the Board.

The veteran seeks service connection for Hepatitis C with cirrhosis and ascites. The Board finds that additional development is necessary to determine the cause of his disease.