The Board has determined that the appellant's character of discharge from service does not constitute a bar to VA benefits, as his actions leading to the discharge do not reflect willful and persistent misconduct.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the appellant was diagnosed with HIV after being sexually assaulted by another service member. The Board found this mitigating factor in determining that the character of his discharge is not dishonorable.
- Claimed conditions
- HIV
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 28, 2016
- Citation
- 1641835
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 1641835.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and sleep apnea have been withdrawn. The appeal concerning service connection for HIV has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection for HIV, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, migraine headaches, erectile dysfunction, and Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 was granted effective February 18, 2000.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected HIV and related conditions have resulted in the effective loss of use of his left foot, meeting the criteria for automobile or adaptive equipment eligibility.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for HIV and drug abuse secondary to PTSD with manic depression, finding no evidence of a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.
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