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DC 6354Infectious Diseases38 CFR § 4.88a, DC 6354

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)

VA disability rating criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) under Diagnostic Code 6354. The VA assigns ratings of 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100% based on the severity and functional impact of your condition.

Rating Criteria

0%Disability Rating

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%Disability Rating

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%Disability Rating

Symptoms which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities by less than 25 percent of the pre-illness level, or; symptoms which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least 2 but less than 4 weeks total duration per year.

40%Disability Rating

Symptoms which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities to 50 to 75 percent of the pre-illness level, or; symptoms which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least 4 but less than 6 weeks total duration per year.

60%Disability Rating

Symptoms which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities to less than 50 percent of the pre-illness level, or; symptoms which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least 6 weeks total duration per year.

100%Disability Rating

Debilitating fatigue, cognitive impairments, and other symptoms which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care.

Secondary Conditions

1 known secondary condition linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)

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