Hepatitis C decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically schizoaffective disorder, is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding that his current condition is related to his military service. Service connection for hepatitis C is remanded as VA treatment records are needed and a medical opinion on its etiology is required.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus type II, hepatitis C, and cirrhosis of liver (secondary to hepatitis C) due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicide agents in Okinawa. The Veteran's service records indicate he was stationed at Kadena Air Force Base from January 1970 to August 1971.

The Board has restored service connection for Hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, and chronic adjustment disorder. As a result, the grants of secondary service connection for these conditions, as well as entitlement to TDIU and Dependents’ Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 (DEA), are also restored.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and skin disability, finding that VA examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's hepatitis C disability is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 40 percent for hepatitis C was denied.,The Veteran's appeal for TDIU based on his service-connected hepatitis C was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for hepatitis C was granted with an effective date of April 16, 2014. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date is one year prior to the date of receipt of the application (April 16, 2015), and denied a request for an earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hepatitis and an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss due to conflicting medical opinions and need for clarification.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and a liver disability as secondary to hepatitis C.,There is no direct evidence linking the Veteran's current hepatitis C or liver disability to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination for obstructive sleep apnea, hepatitis C, and PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and a liver disability as secondary to hepatitis C.,There is no direct evidence linking the Veteran's current hepatitis C or liver disability to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, residuals of TBI, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPV), but denied service connection for hepatitis C. The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is October 31, 2009.

The Veteran's hepatitis C has not resulted in intermittent fatigue, malaise, and anorexia; or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest and treatment by a physician. Therefore, the claim for a compensable initial disability rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hair loss, skin condition, and hepatitis C are etiologically related to service. The claim for hair loss is denied due to a genetic cause, while the skin condition and hepatitis C are granted as new evidence supports their connection to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and procedural issues. The DIC claim is denied, and the issue of reopening service connection for hepatitis C remains pending.