Hepatitis C decisions — 2003

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for hepatitis C with peritoneal adhesions, as his disability has been manifested by fatigue and mild to moderate liver damage.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred or aggravated in service and denied his claim.

The veteran's hepatitis C and nephrolithiasis of the left lobe are currently rated at their maximum allowable levels under VA regulations. The Board finds that neither condition warrants a higher rating based on the evidence provided.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death resulted from hepatitis C, which was caused by a blood transfusion in service. As such, the cause of the veteran's death is deemed to be incurred in service and service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his military service and his current condition.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus was granted service connection with a non-compensable rating from May 25, 2001 to October 18, 2001. From October 19, 2001 onwards, he is rated at 20 percent for this condition. The veteran's hepatitis C has been granted service connection with a 40 percent rating since May 21, 2001. He also received TDIU benefits.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C and hepatic abscess were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and there is no competent medical evidence linking them to any incident of service. The appeal for these conditions was denied.

The Board granted service connection for Hepatitis C due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam era, but found that there was no evidence of a direct causal link between the veteran's service and his current condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that it did not begin during or as a result of his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding no evidence of its onset during or as a result of his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a liver disorder, including hepatitis C, due to lack of evidence linking his current condition to military service.

The veteran's hepatitis C was initially rated at 10 percent, and later increased to 10 percent. However, he has since been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to his hepatitis C, which warrants a 100 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of hepatitis A and hepatitis C, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C, finding that it was incurred as a result of his own willful misconduct through the repeated use of drugs during his period of service.

The Board found that the veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in service and denied his claim. For his low back strain, the Board determined that a rating of 20 percent is warranted based on the objective findings.