Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 6354)
The VA rates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.88a, DC 6354, Diagnostic Code 6354, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires Which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care. Related conditions in the Infectious Diseases body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
Diagnosis of CFS established but symptoms controlled by continuous medication.
Which wax and wane but result in periods of incapacitation of at least one but less than two weeks total duration per year; or symptoms controlled by continuous medication
Which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities by less than 25 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least two but less than four weeks total duration per year
Which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities from 50 to 75 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least four but less than six weeks total duration per year
Which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities to less than 50 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least six weeks total duration per year
Which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care
“Which are nearly constant and restrict routine daily activities from 50 to 75 percent of the pre-illness level; or which wax and wane, resulting in periods of incapacitation of at least four but less than six weeks total duration per year”
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
How does the VA rate Infectious Diseases conditions?
Common Questions About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
The VA rates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) under Diagnostic Code 6354 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Diagnosis of CFS established but symptoms controlled by continuous medication.. The maximum 100% rating requires: Which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care.
What is Diagnostic Code 6354?
Diagnostic Code 6354 is the VA rating identifier for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.88a, DC 6354. It defines the specific symptom criteria and percentage thresholds a VA adjudicator uses to assign a disability rating. The diagnostic code is listed on a veteran's rating decision letter.
What is the highest rating for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
The highest schedular rating for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) under DC 6354 is 100%. This tier requires: Which are nearly constant and so severe as to restrict routine daily activities almost completely and which may occasionally preclude self-care. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) alone or in combination with other service-connected conditions may also qualify for TDIU at the 100% compensation rate under 38 CFR § 4.16.
What 38 CFR section governs Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) ratings?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.88a, DC 6354, Diagnostic Code 6354. This section is part of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (38 CFR Part 4) and can be read in full at the eCFR website.
Which conditions are commonly secondary to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
Conditions commonly secondary to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) include: Fibromyalgia (Gulf War-Associated). Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability are ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Medical nexus evidence linking the primary and secondary condition is required.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)?
Service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) requires three elements: (1) a current diagnosis of the condition, (2) an in-service event, injury, or disease that may have caused or aggravated it, and (3) a medical nexus connecting the current diagnosis to that in-service event. A nexus letter from a treating physician or independent medical examiner is the most reliable nexus evidence. C&P exam findings can also establish nexus if adequately documented.
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