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Evidence checklist

Hepatitis C

DC 735438 CFR § 4.114Digestive

Evidence strength

Mark what you already have below and your evidence strength appears here.

Target
Saved locally
01

Specialist opinion

Highest value0 of 2 collected
Nexus opinion linking hepatitis C to service ("at least as likely as not")Critical

A medical opinion connecting HCV to service-related exposure — jet gun inoculations (pre-1997), blood transfusions, IV drug use during service, or combat wounds. Jet gun exposure is a strong basis for many veterans.

Private provider · independent opinion
Liver biopsy or FibroScan (transient elastography) for fibrosis stagingCritical

Liver biopsy pathology report or FibroScan result staging fibrosis (F0–F4 / Metavir) and activity grade. Cirrhosis (F4) or advanced fibrosis drives higher ratings.

Private provider · independent opinion
02

Treating physician

0 of 1 collected
Hepatitis C viral load (HCV RNA PCR) and genotypeCritical

Lab results documenting HCV RNA quantification (active infection or prior treatment) and genotype, establishing active disease and treatment requirements.

Your treating provider · written request
03

Treatment records

0 of 3 collected
Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, albumin, INR)Critical

Serial liver panel results showing hepatic inflammation, synthetic function impairment (low albumin, elevated INR), and bilirubin elevation — key markers of severity.

VA or private records · written request
Antiviral treatment records (DAA therapy or prior interferon)

Records documenting direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens (sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, etc.) or prior interferon/ribavirin therapy, including SVR (sustained virologic response) status.

VA or private records · written request
Complications documentation (portal hypertension, varices, encephalopathy)

Records documenting HCV complications including esophageal varices, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or hepatocellular carcinoma screening. These findings usually mean cirrhosis has developed, which is rated under DC 7312 (where they are named criteria); under the DC 7345 criteria that govern hepatitis C, the 60% and 100% levels turn on substantial weight loss with continuous medication and on requiring both parenteral antiviral and parenteral immunomodulatory therapy.

VA or private records · written request
04

Lay statements

0 of 2 collected
Buddy statement from spouse, family, or fellow service member

A written statement from someone who can describe observable symptoms and how your condition affects daily life.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
Personal statement describing symptoms and functional impact

Your own written account of how this condition affects your daily activities, work, and relationships. Describe your worst days.

You or a witness · VA Form 21-4138 or 21-10210How to get this →
05

Benefits questionnaire

0 of 1 collected
Completed DBQ Liver ConditionsCritical

Standardized form capturing HCV status, fibrosis stage, liver function, complications, and overall health impact.

Provider-completed · VA DBQ formHow to get this →
06

Service records

0 of 1 collected
Service treatment records (STRs)Critical

Military medical records showing in-service treatment, complaints, or injuries related to this condition.

NPRC / milConnect · SF-180
Condition guideRating criteria and what VA looks forC&P exam prepWhat the examiner will askBuddy statement builderGuided VA Form 21-10210

What you mark here is saved in this browser, on this device only — not to an account. Changing the target rating shows different items, but never loses what you have already marked.