Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)
The VA rates Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) under Diagnostic Code 7354 across 6 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 7354 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 6
- CFR section
- § 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)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | 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. |
| 10% | 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). |
| 20% | 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. |
| 40% | 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. |
| 60% | 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. |
| 100% | 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?
Yes — a 100% rating for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) 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 Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
The key evidence for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) 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.
What happens at the C&P exam for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
The C&P examiner uses a Digestive System DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 7354 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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