Hepatitis C decisions — 2009

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis C and PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer is currently rated at 20 percent, and the issues related to scars on both arms and forearms, initial compensable evaluation for hepatitis C, and tinea pedis with onychomycosis have all been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Hepatitis C, and a Left Hip Disorder were denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board found no evidence of a causal link between the Veteran's service and his death from hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis of the liver, or hepatitis C. The cause of death was determined to be unrelated to any service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed stressors, including shooting a water buffalo and threatening to kill another soldier, were due to his willful misconduct. Therefore, service connection for PTSD was denied as it is not related to an in-service stressor. The VA examination report indicated that hepatitis C may have been contracted during service, but the examiner did not provide sufficient rationale or evidence to support this conclusion.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hypertension is related to his in-service diagnosis and treatment. Service connection for hepatitis C was denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by active service due to his own willful misconduct.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's superficial fragment wounds of the upper back, effective from August 26, 2008. Service connection for hepatitis C was also granted.

The Board found that the Veteran did not incur or aggravate hepatitis C during service, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis C is not related to service, as there is no evidence of a blood transfusion or other in-service exposure. The Veteran's risk factors for hepatitis C include illegal drug use during service and intranasal cocaine use at age 20.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Hepatitis C is not related to his military service, as it is more likely due to intranasal cocaine use. As a result, service connection for Hepatitis C is denied.