Hepatitis C decisions — 2004

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional notifications under the VCAA.

The Board found that the veteran's low back, neck, diabetes mellitus Type II, and hepatitis C disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service.

The veteran's death was caused by a cerebrovascular accident due to or as a consequence of eczema and hepatitis C. The service-connected chronic atopic eczematoid dermatitis (neurodermatitis) is considered the primary cause, with leukocytoclastic vasculitis with cryoglobulinemia contributing substantially to his death.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's Hepatitis-C was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the veteran contracted the virus due to blood transfusions received during treatment for his service-connected peptic ulcer disease.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals found that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred or aggravated during his active military service and denied the claim.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C and cirrhosis cannot be substantiated, as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that further development of the medical opinion evidence is required to decide the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and for certificates of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or special home adaptations due to a lack of competent medical evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted a 100 percent evaluation for hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver, fatigue, and depression effective March 7, 2000. The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is denied.

The veteran's claim for pension benefits was received on April 16, 2001. The effective date for the grant of a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes is set at April 16, 2001, the date of receipt of his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD and there is no evidence linking Hepatitis C to service, including exposure to Agent Orange or shrapnel wounds. Therefore, both claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the likelihood of a connection between the veteran's current hepatitis C and his service, given his allegations about exposure in combat zones.

The veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C infection is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and information from Social Security Administration.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent evaluation, effective from August 10, 2001. The veteran's claims for a skin disorder due to exposure to herbicides and Hepatitis C remain pending.