Pellagra
The VA rates Pellagra under Diagnostic Code 6315 across 5 severity levels, from 10% to 100%. At 100%, veterans receive $3939/month or more in compensation.
Rating schedule — DC 6315 at a glance
- Minimum rating
- 10%
- Maximum rating
- 100%
- Rating tiers
- 5
- CFR section
- § 4.88b
- Body system
- Infectious Diseases
- Secondary conditions
- 0
Lowest schedular rating available
Full schedular disability
10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%
Part 4 rating schedule
None mapped
What are the VA rating criteria for Pellagra?
| Rating | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 10% | Confirmed diagnosis with nonspecific symptoms such as: decreased appetite, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, weakness, inability to concentrate and irritability |
| 20% | With stomatitis, or achlorhydria, or diarrhea |
| 40% | With stomatitis, diarrhea, and symmetrical dermatitis |
| 60% | With all of the symptoms listed below, plus mental symptoms and impaired bodily vigor |
| 100% | Marked mental changes, moist dermatitis, inability to retain adequate nourishment, exhaustion, and cachexia |
“With stomatitis, diarrhea, and symmetrical dermatitis”
Common Questions About Pellagra VA Ratings
What is the VA rating range for Pellagra?
The VA rates Pellagra under Diagnostic Code 6315 at 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 10% rating requires: Confirmed diagnosis with nonspecific symptoms such as: decreased appetite, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, weakness, inability to concentrate and irritability. The maximum 100% rating requires: Marked mental changes, moist dermatitis, inability to retain adequate nourishment, exhaustion, and cachexia.
Which 38 CFR diagnostic code does the VA use for Pellagra?
The VA rates Pellagra under Diagnostic Code (DC) 6315, 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 Pellagra?
A 10% rating requires: Confirmed diagnosis with nonspecific symptoms such as: decreased appetite, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, weakness, inability to concentrate and irritability. A 100% rating requires: Marked mental changes, moist dermatitis, inability to retain adequate nourishment, exhaustion, and cachexia. The difference typically reflects the frequency, severity, or functional impact of the condition as documented in medical records and C&P examination findings.
Can Pellagra qualify for TDIU?
Yes — a 100% rating for Pellagra 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 Pellagra?
The key evidence for Pellagra 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 Pellagra?
The C&P examiner uses a Infectious Diseases DBQ and evaluates your condition against the DC 6315 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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