HIV-related illness
The VA rates HIV-related illness under Diagnostic Code 6351 across 5 severity levels, from 0% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 6351 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 0%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.88b
- Body system
- Infectious Diseases
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for HIV-related illness?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 0% | Asymptomatic, following initial diagnosis of HIV infection, with or without lymphadenopathy or decreased T4 cell count |
| 10% | Following development of HIV-related constitutional symptoms; T4 cell count between 200 and 500; use of approved medication(s); or with evidence of depression or memory loss with employment limitations |
| 30% | Recurrent constitutional symptoms, intermittent diarrhea, and use of approved medication(s); or minimum rating with T4 cell count less than 200 |
| 60% | Refractory constitutional symptoms, diarrhea, and pathological weight loss; or minimum rating following development of AIDS-related opportunistic infection or neoplasm |
| 100% | AIDS with recurrent opportunistic infections (see Note 3) or with secondary diseases afflicting multiple body systems; HIV-related illness with debility and progressive weight loss |
“Recurrent constitutional symptoms, intermittent diarrhea, and use of approved medication(s); or minimum rating with T4 cell count less than 200”
Common Questions About HIV-related illness VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for HIV-related illness?
The VA rates HIV-related illness under Diagnostic Code 6351 at 0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic, following initial diagnosis of HIV infection, with or without lymphadenopathy or decreased T4 cell count. The maximum 100% rating requires: AIDS with recurrent opportunistic infections (see Note 3) or with secondary diseases afflicting multiple body systems; HIV-related illness with debility and progressive weight loss.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for HIV-related illness?
The VA rates HIV-related illness under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6351, governed by 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.88b. 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 HIV-related illness?
A 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic, following initial diagnosis of HIV infection, with or without lymphadenopathy or decreased T4 cell count. A 100% rating requires: AIDS with recurrent opportunistic infections (see Note 3) or with secondary diseases afflicting multiple body systems; HIV-related illness with debility and progressive weight loss. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can HIV-related illness qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for HIV-related illness 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 HIV-related illness?
The key evidence for HIV-related illness 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 HIV-related illness?
The C&P examiner uses a Infectious Diseases DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6351 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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