Hepatitis C decisions — 2004

The Board found that hepatitis C and porphyria cutanea tarda were not shown to be linked to service, either directly or through a recognized exposure basis. The veteran's claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete information and evidence, including a need for VA examination and additional records.

The veteran's hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under current regulations. The Board denied his claim for a higher evaluation.

The veteran claims service connection for hepatitis C. The VA examiner concluded that it was as likely as not that the veteran's hepatitis C occurred during his military service, but the RO disregarded this conclusion and denied the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was incurred as a result of service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The veteran's current diagnoses are being evaluated, with a VA examination scheduled.

The Board has remanded the veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis C and PTSD due to incomplete development of records from the Miami Vet Center. The veteran must provide treatment records from this facility.

The veteran's current diagnosis of Hepatitis C is considered to have been incurred in service, with reasonable doubt resolved in his favor.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for appropriate action consistent with the matters raised in the Joint Motion for Partial Remand. The veteran should be scheduled for a VA hepatitis examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of his currently diagnosed hepatitis C.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and Hepatitis C due to lack of evidence of current disability related to service, with the exception that drug use was considered willful misconduct.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hepatitis C was incurred in service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a left leg disability, or hepatitis C. The claim for a permanent and total rating for nonservice-connected pension purposes is remanded to determine if the appellant meets the requirements under VEBEA.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, finding it likely the veteran contracted the condition during service. Service connection was not established for diabetes due to lack of pre-service records.

The VA denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to increased evaluation for PTSD and service connection for hepatitis C. The Board found that the symptoms related to PTSD did not warrant a rating higher than 70 percent, but also noted that there was no evidence of exposure to blood or syringes in service that could support a finding of service connection for hepatitis C.