Hepatitis C decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Travel Board hearing. The claims of service connection will be reconsidered after the hearing.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of PTSD, hepatitis C, and a right ankle disability. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney stones and hepatitis C, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary in this case, and the appeal is REMANDED for action as described below.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current skin disability and service, as well as his hepatitis C. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of VA treatment records from the Albuquerque VAMC.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hepatitis C is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA mental health records and service personnel records. The appellant's claim will be adjudicated on the theory of secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying a stressor. The Veteran's hepatitis C is being evaluated by a VA hepatologist to determine if it is related to military service due to unprotected sexual activity post-service. A psychiatric examination will be conducted to determine the existence and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional information and evidence, including records from a counseling session at the Bradford Rehabilitation Center in Birmingham, Alabama. The appellant's claim for service connection for cause of death will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, effective October 2007. The rating for Hepatitis C has been increased to 20 percent, also effective October 2007. The right knee disability remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings, reopening of service connection claims, and hepatitis C have all been denied by the RO.

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

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and bilateral extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to hepatitis C. The Veteran's TDIU claim is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hepatitis C, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied. The current disability ratings are considered appropriate based on the evidence of record.