Hepatitis C decisions — 2018

The Veteran died of cardiac arrest due to hepatitis C and cirrhosis. The medical evidence does not support a finding that any service-connected condition caused or contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disability of the scalp and neck is presumed to have been aggravated by service, as evidenced by his in-service treatment for acne keloidalis. The claim for hepatitis C is granted based on direct service connection.,Service connection is established for a skin disability of the scalp and neck due to its onset during service and aggravation therefrom. Service connection for hepatitis C is also established.

The Board found that hepatitis C is not attributable to service, including via air gun injections or exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's diagnosis of hepatitis C was more likely related to his own risk factors such as intranasal cocaine use and unprotected sex.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, hypertension, and vision loss as there is no evidence of a disease or injury that would qualify for compensation benefits.

The Veteran's hepatitis C has been rated at 100% since October 13, 2014. The effective date for the dependency allowance is set to June 2016. The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as of that same date.

The Veteran's appeal is for an increased evaluation of hepatitis C and a TDIU. The case has been remanded due to missing VA treatment records, the need for a new examination, and referral to the Director, Compensation Service, for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver is being remanded due to outstanding records and a need for a new VA examination. The examiner must consider the Veteran's reported in-service drug use, including IV drug use during Vietnam, as well as any other relevant factors.

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

The Veteran's hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver have not resulted in sufficient symptoms to warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's marginal zone lymphoma is granted service connection based on presumed exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for Hepatitis C remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in service and denied both his claim for service connection and his TDIU claim due to anxiety disorder.

The Board has ordered remand to obtain additional medical opinions and compliance with prior remand instructions. The appeal will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's hepatitis C and bilateral knee disorder are not service-connected. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a risk factor for contracting hepatitis C related to his in-service vaccinations, and thus denied service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his service-connected throat cyst removal surgery and hepatitis C has been denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the claims by the Veteran.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but the claim remains denied.