The Board has determined that the veteran's HIV-related illness with chronic dysthymia is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 6351-9433. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The clinical evidence shows stable HIV-related illness and no additional psychiatric symptoms warranting a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- HIV-related illness, chronic dysthymia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- March 31, 2000
- Citation
- 0008869
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0008869.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder due to military sexual trauma (MST) and remanded the claims for HIV-related illness, hypertension, left knee replacement, and sleep apnea.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection, with some issues being remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating higher than 70 percent for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and a rating higher than 30 percent for HIV-related illness based on the evidence of record.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the claim for service connection of sleep apnea as secondary to HIV-related illness due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran will receive a new examination.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.