Military Members with HepC

[SJN898]

I am a vet with 14.5 years of service, 6 years in Navy Nuclear Submarines as a machinist mate, and 8.5 years in AF mostly in AFOSI. as a Special Agent.   I have had multiple experiences where I have had either blood infections and or exposure to another persons blood (up to my elbows).   I am filing a VA claim for disability now 17 years after I left the military for one reason because I was diagnosed with Hep C in 2002.   In 2012 I found out my best friend and shipmate in the Navy has Hep C my question is does any other Navy Submariners have Hep C?  Let me know.   VA and the gov't have done studies and show that a large percentage of Vietnam era Vets have Hep C -- testing was not done then.    Now it cost too much on the VA system so you have to prove you got it from military, so our job is to prove we contracted something no one new existed at that time.

[SJN898]

The disability is mainly based on a broken neck while in the service.   Surgery at Bethesda Naval to fuse multiple levels of my cervical spine, but I also have HepC and this is a medical need for treatment.

[LN55]

I agree. Disability would be hard to prove. Like I said in my earlier post, while interesting to inquire as to military related infection rates, many of my childhood medical procedures could be called into play (school immunization programs?). I am currently treating and NOT disabled nor have I been. By the way, I'm a veteran and we do not all qualify for government paid treatment. This ones on me and my insurance. I stopped trying to figure out where I got infected and decided to concentrate on getting rid of it.

[copyman]

It is going to be hard to prove that HCV disabled you. If you are a vet at least you can treat on the gov's money. This treatment can cost up to $50,000

[FlGuy]

In what way did HCV disable you?  Many people have had HCV for many years with no disability, just infected.

[LN55]

I served on a Fast Attack (SSN) late seventies/ early eighties. Could've gotten the infection from air gun inoculations, dental work, etc when I was in. But I also had surgery about a year before joining the Navy not to mention many stitches, immunizations, etc. as a kid so it would be difficult to pinpoint because medical conditions were so different back then. I do believe the air gun shots hold a high probability and there are many good posts on the subject. I'm in my fourth week of treatment.Good luck with your inquiry.