EIA positive supplemental test required RIBA positive diagnostic HCVRNA follow-up of chronic not needed for rating hepatitis C Risk factors for the development of HBV and HCV are similar. The table j. Risk Factors for HBV and below describes the medically recognized risk factors for HBV and HCV HCV infection, provides transmission information concerning those risk factors, and includes tips for rating hepatitis claims associated with the risk factors. Risk Factor Transmission Rating Tips Information transfusion of blood or Blood donor If blood transfusion is blood product screening for HCV a claimed risk factor, was not available obtain the relevant before 1992 for until 1989 when hospital records from HCV, or HCV was identified. service, if possible. before 1975 for In 1992, more Look for evidence of HBV effective screening blood transfusions in organ transplant before of blood became surgical reports, 1992, or possible for HCV. especially the hemodialysis anesthesia sheet surgical record operative clinical records, or post-operative clinical notes. transmitted through Review for indications tattoos the use of unsterilized of tattoos or piercings body piercing, and equipment on induction and acupuncture with separation exams to help needles determine whether tattooing or piercing took place in service. intravenous drug use transmitted through Records of drug the use of shared treatment may reflect instruments the type of drug abuse. high-risk sexual activity Transmission risk is Periodic health relatively low but assessments or records increases with of treatment for sexually multiple sexual transmitted diseases partners. may document a history of high-risk sexual activity or multiple sexual partners.
EIA positive supplemental test required RIBA positive diagnostic HCVRNA follow-up of chronic hepatitis C not needed for rating j. Risk Factors for HBV and HCV Risk factors for the development of HBV and HCV are similar. The table below describes the medically recognized risk factors for HBV and HCV infection, provides transmission information concerning those risk factors, and includes tips for rating hepatitis claims associated with the risk factors. Risk Factor Transmission Information Rating Tips transfusion of blood or blood product before 1992 for HCV, or before 1975 for HBV organ transplant before 1992, or hemodialysis Blood donor screening for HCV was not available until 1989 when HCV was identified. In 1992, more effective screening of blood became possible for HCV. If blood transfusion is a claimed risk factor, obtain the relevant hospital records from service, if possible. Look for evidence of blood transfusions in surgical reports, especially the anesthesia sheet surgical record operative clinical records, or post-operative clinical notes. tattoos body piercing, and acupuncture with needles transmitted through the use of unsterilized equipment Review for indications of tattoos or piercings on induction and separation exams to help determine whether tattooing or piercing took place in service. intravenous drug use transmitted through the use of shared instruments Records of drug treatment may reflect the type of drug abuse. high-risk sexual activity Transmission risk is relatively low but increases with multiple sexual partners. Periodic health assessments or records of treatment for sexually transmitted diseases may document a history of high-risk sexual activity or multiple sexual partners.