# Presumption of Service Connection for Cirrhosis of the Liver in Former Prisoners of War
> **US Department of Veterans Affairs** · Final rule. · Published 2003-07-18 · Effective 2003-07-18 · 68 FR 42602
## Document
- **Document number:** 03-18233
- **Category:** va-benefits
- **Agency:** US Department of Veterans Affairs
- **Federal Register citation:** 68 FR 42602
- **CFR reference:** 38 CFR 3
- **Publication date:** 2003-07-18
- **Effective date:** 2003-07-18
## Abstract

This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adjudication regulations concerning presumptive service connection for certain diseases by adding cirrhosis of the liver to the list of diseases for which entitlement to service connection is presumed for former prisoners of war (POWs). The intended effect is to make it easier for former POWs to obtain compensation benefits for cirrhosis based on scientific and medical research showing a higher risk of death from cirrhosis in former WWII POWs than in the general population.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2003/07/18/03-18233/presumption-of-service-connection-for-cirrhosis-of-the-liver-in-former-prisoners-of-war)
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