Interesting statistics on HCV claims. Since record keeping began at the BVA in 1992, we can see the rise and fall of HCV claims which indicate a win, loss,  death, cure or giving up. It can mean no DIC. It can mean some never were treated who subsequently died. I know a few too many.

1992— 149 results — searched 29,796 total appeals

1993—133 results — searched 21,561 ”             ”

1994—179 results — searched 23,406  ‘                   ”

1995—192 results — searched 26,307   ”                 ”

1996—325 results — searched 37,389   ”                 ”

1997—442 results — searched 43,170   ”                    ”

1998— 534 results — searched 38,177  ”                   ”

1999—573 results — searched 36,270  ”                   ”

2000—640 results — searched 34,102  ”                  ”

2001—543 results — searched 27,807  ”                ”

2002—472 results — searched 18,850  ”              ”

2003—817 results — searched 36, 924  ”             ”

2004—975 results — searched 34,495  ”             ”

2005—1,150 results — searched 35,250  ”             ”

2006—1,147 results — searched 40,304  ”            ”

2007—1,291 results — searched 41,025  ”           ”

2008—1,380 results — searched 44,970  ”         ”

2009—1,464 results — searched 49,136  ”           ” High Water mark

2010—1,384 results — searched 45,775 ”            ”

2011— 99 results —searched 47,490  ”                 ” ??????

2012—1,154 results — searched 40,814 ”            ”

2013— 769 results — searched 33,453  ”           ”

2014—1,186 results — searched 52,538  ”          ” High mark of claims

2015—968 results — searched 42,436 to 12/1/2015

A decision announcement can be a denial, a grant, a remand for more information/development or a DIC claim for a determination of death decision. I should add that some are a grant of permission to reopen an old claim based on new and material evidence that might help win.

Note two things if you will. After a gradual decline from 2009 to the inception and full application of the new VBMS and the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) mode in 2014, the number of  total claims on appeal jumped from 33,453 (2013) to 52,538 in one year. Most statisticians would have a field day with that. Most, but not VA’s bean counters.

I find 2011 disturbing. VA seems to have misplaced a number of claims. Depending on how you search, you can get zero to 99 claims out of a total of 47,490 received and decided at the BVA. If one statistic is patently in error, all are. If it seems irregular, it is irregular and the presumption of regularity does not attach.