Hepatitis C decisions — 2002

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence linking his liver disease to his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's hepatitis C does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, based on his current symptoms and the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for hepatitis A, and it is granted. Service connection for hepatitis C is also granted.

The Board found no evidence of hepatitis C during service and denied the claim for service connection.

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

The Board determined that the veteran's hepatitis C developed due to his own willful misconduct, specifically drug and alcohol abuse during service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's hepatitis C is granted compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to a blood transfusion during VA hospitalization in June 1977, and the claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected right ear otitis media is denied due to failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The veteran's hepatitis C is most likely the result of a December 1977 surgery at a VA hospital, warranting compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C. The veteran's left shoulder injury has been rated as 30 percent disabling due to its severity and limitations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C as there was no evidence of exposure or diagnosis during service, and current medical records do not link the condition to service.

The Board has determined that hepatitis C with early cirrhosis is related to service and granted the claim.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 60 percent for the veteran's service-connected residuals of abdominal trauma, status post small intestine repair and bowel resection, lysis of adhesions with temporary colostomy, cholecystectomy, and chronic hepatitis C.

The veteran's hepatitis C is found to be proximately due to or the result of surgeries for his service-connected right knee condition, and thus secondary service connection is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for hepatitis C and a psychiatric disorder are being remanded to the RO for further adjudication, including scheduling of a personal hearing before a Member of the Board.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him helpless or so nearly helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, nor does he have a permanent housebound condition due to disability.