Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated)
The VA rates Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated) under Diagnostic Code 6350 across 3 severity levels, from 10% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 6350 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 3
- CFR section
- § 4.88b
- Body system
- Infectious Diseases
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
10%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated)?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Exacerbations once or twice a year or symptomatic during the past 2 years Note: Diagnosis requires meeting ACR/EULAR criteria. Rate the overall disease and separately rate any major organ involvement (renal, CNS, cardiac). |
| 60% | Exacerbations lasting a week or more, 2 or 3 times per year |
| 100% | Not to be combined with ratings under DC 7809 Acute, with frequent exacerbations, producing severe impairment of health Note: Evaluate each organ system affected by lupus separately (e.g., nephritis under DC 7700 series, CNS under DC 8000 series) and combine ratings. |
“Exacerbations lasting a week or more, 2 or 3 times per year”
Common Questions About Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated) VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated)?
The VA rates Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated) under Diagnostic Code 6350 at 10%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Exacerbations once or twice a year or symptomatic during the past 2 years. The maximum 100% rating requires: Not to be combined with ratings under DC 7809 Acute, with frequent exacerbations, producing severe impairment of health.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated)?
The VA rates Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated) under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6350, 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 10% and a 100% rating for Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated)?
A 10% rating requires: Exacerbations once or twice a year or symptomatic during the past 2 years. A 100% rating requires: Not to be combined with ratings under DC 7809 Acute, with frequent exacerbations, producing severe impairment of health. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated) qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated) 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 Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated)?
The key evidence for Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated) 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 Lupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated)?
The C&P examiner uses a Infectious Diseases DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6350 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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