The Board has granted service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C. The decision is based on new evidence provided by the Veteran's treating physician, who opined that SLE should be considered a sequelae of untreated hepatitis C.
The deciding factor: The Board found the March 2020 letter from the Veteran’s rheumatologist more probative than the February 2020 VA examination opinion, which disputed the diagnosis and claimed no causal relationship between hepatitis C and SLE. The rheumatologist's letter provided a positive nexus opinion.
- Claimed conditions
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 5, 2020
- Citation
- 20031377
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 20031377.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial rating of 50 percent for chronic tension headaches but denied higher ratings for right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, remanded claims for cervical strain, fibromyalgia, SLE, and TDIU.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hand arthritis due to the Veteran's service-connected SLE. The cases of hiatal hernia and SLE are remanded as there were issues with the reasoning provided.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for an autoimmune disease, including rheumatoid arthritis and SLE, finding that the current condition is less likely than not related to service.
- Dismissed
The appeal for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The claims of service connection for SLE, COPD, and rhinitis/sinusitis are reopened due to new evidence. Osteoporosis is granted as a separate condition.
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.