The Veteran's HIV and osteopenia/osteoporosis are granted as service connection is established due to the identified risk factors during service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.
The deciding factor: The only identified risk factor for HIV was unsafe sex practices and potential blood exposure during service. The negative February 2004 HIV test cannot exclude an infection prior to service separation, thus granting service connection on a new and material basis.
- Claimed conditions
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Osteopenia/Osteoporosis
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 21, 2023
- Citation
- 23040170
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 23040170.
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: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for treatment purposes only for PTSD and remanded the claim of service connection for treatment purposes only for HIV.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is found to be eligible for enrollment in the PCAFC program due to his severe and complex medical conditions, which require personal care services.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran contracted HIV during his active duty service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for HIV and rhabdomyolysis due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty from April 1987 to August 1987. The Board found no current chronic disability, no in-service event, injury, or disease, and no link between a current disability and 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.