Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)
Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7354, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires: Hepatitis C with nearly total incapacitation: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) with multiple decompensating events; requiring liver transplantation; or with active hepatocellular carcinoma. Total disability rating.. Most claims establish the 0% or 10% rating before reaching the top tier.
Rating schedule — DC 7354 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 6
- CFR section
- 38 CFR § 4.114
- Body system
- Digestive System
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
Rate under DC 7345 (Chronic liver disease without cirrhosis).
Note: Service connection often established for veterans who received blood transfusions or shared medical equipment (air-gun injections) during service.
Hepatitis C with mild symptoms: Fatigue, malaise, nausea without jaundice; liver function tests mildly elevated; or during antiviral therapy with mild side effects (nausea, fatigue).
Hepatitis C with moderate symptoms: Continuous moderate fatigue, intermittent jaundice, significant elevation of liver enzymes (ALT/AST > 3x normal); or during antiviral therapy with moderate side effects impairing function.
Hepatitis C with marked symptoms: Daily fatigue severely limiting activity; significant liver function impairment; evidence of early cirrhosis (fibrosis Stage 3) on biopsy or imaging; portal hypertension without major complications.
Hepatitis C with severe symptoms: Cirrhosis (Stage 4 fibrosis) with decompensated disease including ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or variceal bleeding; or with hepatocellular carcinoma; requiring liver transplant evaluation.
Hepatitis C with nearly total incapacitation: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) with multiple decompensating events; requiring liver transplantation; or with active hepatocellular carcinoma. Total disability rating.
Note: Following liver transplant, rerate 6 months post-surgery based on residuals and ongoing immunosuppression requirements.
“Hepatitis C with marked symptoms: Daily fatigue severely limiting activity; significant liver function impairment; evidence of early cirrhosis (fibrosis Stage 3) on biopsy or imaging; portal hypertension without major complications.”
Common Questions About Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
The VA rates Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) under Diagnostic Code 7354 at 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Rate under DC 7345 (Chronic liver disease without cirrhosis).. The maximum 100% rating requires: Hepatitis C with nearly total incapacitation: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) with multiple decompensating events; requiring liver transplantation; or with active hepatocellular carcinoma. Total disability rating..
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
The VA rates Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7354, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. 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 Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
A 0% rating requires: Rate under DC 7345 (Chronic liver disease without cirrhosis).. A 100% rating requires: Hepatitis C with nearly total incapacitation: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) with multiple decompensating events; requiring liver transplantation; or with active hepatocellular carcinoma. Total disability rating.. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) qualify for TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?
Veterans rated for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) may qualify for TDIU if the condition — alone or in combination with other service-connected disabilities — prevents substantially gainful employment. A single disability rated at 60% or higher (or multiple disabilities combining to 70%, with one at 40%) can support a TDIU claim under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
Service connection for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease, and (3) a medical nexus linking the current diagnosis to that in-service occurrence. A nexus letter from a treating or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence.
What is the C&P exam like for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
A Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) uses a Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) specific to the body system involved. The examiner documents the frequency, severity, and functional impact of your symptoms. Bring all relevant treatment records and be prepared to describe your worst-day symptoms — the examiner rates your condition based on the full clinical picture, not a single visit.
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