I do not know much about the history of the West. He was a lieutenant and then captain in the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry Regiment. The photograph taken at the beginning of the war shows a gray single-breasted frock coat, very common among low rank officers in 1861. The rank of lieutenant seems to be the shoulder strap used in the Kentucky State Guard.
I tried to find him on find a grave but no luck. I have a book : "Confederate Soldiers of Kentucky". He is listed 2nd Cavalry Duke. There are several soldiers with West last name listed. Wonder if they are related?
I suspect that photo is reversed. Saber scabbard should probably be on his left for mounting even if he might not have been right handed. The famous photo of Billy the Kid is reversed too.