The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for HIV-related illness and depression due to HIV-related illness were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show more than the current 30 percent rating required by Diagnostic Code 6351 (HIV-related illnesses) or any other relevant code, and the veteran's statements were considered to be outweighed by the clinical findings from recent VA examinations.
- Claimed conditions
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) related illness, depression due to HIV related illness
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- November 19, 2002
- Citation
- 0216655
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0216655.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and relationship of HIV related illness to service. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his condition had its origin during active duty or is linked to any in-service event, injury, or disease.
- Dismissed
The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings for HIV related illness and a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU). The Board finds that the withdrawal constitutes a valid dismissal of these claims.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for HIV related illness was denied as there is no reliable evidence linking the Veteran’s HIV to his active service.
- Denied
The Board found that the appellant's HIV-related illness was not manifest during service and did not find a causal relationship to service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.
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