Hepatitis C decisions — 2006

The veteran's claims for hepatitis B and C service connection, as well as his request for an earlier effective date for PTSD benefits, were denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further medical evaluation regarding the veteran's hepatitis C infection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link between these conditions and military service.

The veteran's hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis are found to be the result of incidents in service, allowing for service connection.

The VA determined that the veteran's hepatitis C is related to his military service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his hepatitis C, which contributed to his death, was likely a result of surgeries due to combat wounds during service.

The veteran has been granted compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for Hepatitis C due to negligence on the part of VA in providing medical care.

The veteran's hepatitis C virus is currently rated at 60 percent disabling, but the Board finds no evidence of more than a 10 percent rating prior to September 17, 2002.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver were not incurred or aggravated in service, nor may their incurrence or aggravation be presumed. The Board also determined that they are not related to her service-connected lower back disability.

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

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular renal disease, loss of vision in the right eye, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The appeal is remanded for further action.

The veteran's hepatitis C disability has not been productive of moderate liver damage and disabling gastrointestinal symptoms, or daily fatigue, malaise, and anorexia with minor weight loss and hepatomegaly. The criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for both PTSD and Hepatitis C claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the onset of each condition and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain medical records and provide the veteran with proper VCAA notice.