Hepatitis C decisions — 2006

The veteran's claims for hepatitis C, bilateral leg disability, diabetes, and liver problems secondary to hepatitis C have all been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Board hearing at the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's liver disease, including hepatitis C, was incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Board found that the cause of death (escherichia coli septic shock) was not service-connected, and thus denied burial benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C due to lack of evidence associating his current condition with military service. The case is now remanded for further consideration, including a review of post-service risk factors and potential need for an examination.

The veteran's claim of service connection for chronic hepatitis C has been reopened, but the new evidence does not establish that his current condition is related to military service.,The veteran's claims of service connection for a chronic lung disorder and PTSD have also been reopened. The new evidence supports the veteran's contention that his current conditions are related to his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that it was not incurred during his military service and more likely a result of post-service drug use.

The Board granted service connection for hepatitis C and awarded retroactive disability compensation at a monthly rate of $2,408 effective December 1, 2002. The veteran's PTSD with TDIU was also granted.

The veteran's claims for hepatitis C and a skin disorder due to exposure to herbicides were denied. The claim for PTSD was granted with an initial rating of 30 percent, effective from August 10, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death was caused by his service-connected hepatitis C virus infection, which led to hepatocellular carcinoma. The appeal is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C and residuals of Epstein-Barr virus did not originate in service, and denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current hepatitis C, and thus cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the current nature, extent and severity of the veteran's service-connected hepatitis C disability, including cirrhosis. The AMC will then readjudicate the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Hepatitis C, and a growth on the left side of the neck. The evidence did not support these claims.