The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the criteria for DIC benefits under all theories of entitlement have not been met.
The deciding factor: There is no evidence that the cause of the Veteran's death was related to service or a service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- HIV
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 16, 2021
- Citation
- 21074726
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21074726.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and sleep apnea have been withdrawn.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.
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.