Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and VA Disability | All You Need To Know

The Veterans Disability Nexus

Physician Assistant and prior C&P examiner Leah Bucholz discusses about Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and VA Disability.
Leah discusses the implications of herpes simplex virus (HSV) with VA disability. She explains that herpes, a common and transmittable disease, can be service-connected if it is shown to be related to military service. Veterans may be eligible for service connection for HSV if diagnosed during service (primary service connection) or if it's linked to another service-connected disability, such as PTSD from combat or sexual assault. Leah highlights the differences between HSV-1 (typically oral herpes) and HSV-2 (usually genital herpes), noting the increasing instances of crossover between the two. She mentions how stress, including that from PTSD, can aggravate herpes outbreaks, referencing various studies and resources like the CDC and WHO.