Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)
The VA rates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) under Diagnostic Code 6354 across 6 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation. There are 1 documented secondary conditions linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME).
Also available: View rating schedule for DC 6354
Rating schedule — DC 6354 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 6
- CFR section
- § 4.88a, DC 6354
- Body system
- Infectious Diseases
- Secondary conditions
- 1
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
Mapped in our database
What are the VA rating criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Diagnosis of CFS established but symptoms controlled by continuous medication. Note: Diagnosis requires CDC criteria: unexplained fatigue >6 months, plus 4 or more of 8 symptoms. Service connection frequently granted for Gulf War veterans. No 10% tier exists under 38 CFR § 4.88a. |
| 10% | Which wax and wane but result in periods of incapacitation of at least one but less than two weeks total duration per year; or symptoms controlled by continuous medication Note: Diagnosis requires CDC criteria: unexplained fatigue >6 months, plus 4 or more of 8 symptoms. Service connection frequently granted for Gulf War veterans. |
| 20% | Which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities by less than 25 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least two but less than four weeks total duration per year |
| 40% | Which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities from 50 to 75 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least four but less than six weeks total duration per year |
| 60% | Which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities to less than 50 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least six weeks total duration per year |
| 100% | Which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care |
“Which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities from 50 to 75 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least four but less than six weeks total duration per year”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
View 1 secondary condition linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)
Medical rationale, evidence strength, and filing tips — rated under 38 CFR § 3.310
Common Questions About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
The VA rates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) under Diagnostic Code 6354 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Diagnosis of CFS established but symptoms controlled by continuous medication.. The maximum 100% rating requires: Which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
The VA rates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6354, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.88a, DC 6354. The diagnostic code establishes the specific rating tiers and severity criteria the VA examiner applies.
What is the difference between a 0% and a 100% rating for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
A 0% rating requires: Diagnosis of CFS established but symptoms controlled by continuous medication.. A 100% rating requires: Which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) alone meets the single-disability threshold for TDIU (38 CFR § 4.16). If the condition prevents substantially gainful employment, the veteran is compensated at the 100% rate without a schedular 100% rating.
What evidence supports a higher rating for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
The key evidence for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) is documentation of how the condition affects daily functioning. Treatment records showing worsening symptoms, functional limitations documented by your provider, and buddy statements describing observable impact on daily life all strengthen the claim. A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional linking the current severity to service is essential for contested claims.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) is associated with 1 documented secondary condition. Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. See the secondary conditions page for the full list with medical rationale and evidence strength ratings.
What happens at the C&P exam for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
The C&P examiner uses a Infectious Diseases DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6354 rating criteria. The examiner documents symptom frequency, severity, and functional impact. Bring all treatment records and describe your worst days, not your best — the VA rates on the full clinical picture across time, not a snapshot of one good day.
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