Cirrhosis of the liver — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7312)
The VA rates Cirrhosis of the liver under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7312, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than or equal to 15; or with continuous daily debilitating symptoms, generalized weakness and at least one of the following: (1) asci…. Related conditions in the Digestive body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Cirrhosis of the liver?
Asymptomatic, but with a history of liver disease
Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than 6 but less than 10; or with evidence of either anorexia, weakness, abdominal pain or malaise
Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 10 or 11; or with signs of portal hypertension such as splenomegaly or ascites (fluid in the abdomen) and either weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, or malaise
Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than 11 but less than 15; or with daily fatigue and at least one episode in the last year of either (1) variceal hemorrhage, or (2) portal gastropathy or hepatic encephalopathy
Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than or equal to 15; or with continuous daily debilitating symptoms, generalized weakness and at least one of the following: (1) ascites (fluid in the abdomen), or (2) a history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or (3) hepatic encephalopathy, or (4) variceal hemorrhage, or (5) coagulopathy, or (6) portal gastropathy, or (7) hepatopulmonary or hepatorenal syndrome
“Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 10 or 11; or with signs of portal hypertension such as splenomegaly or ascites (fluid in the abdomen) and either weakness, anorexia, abdominal pain, or malaise”
How does the VA rate Digestive conditions?
Common Questions About Cirrhosis of the liver VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Cirrhosis of the liver?
The VA rates Cirrhosis of the liver under Diagnostic Code 7312 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 30%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Asymptomatic, but with a history of liver disease. The maximum 100% rating requires: Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than or equal to 15; or with continuous daily debilitating symptoms, generalized weakness and at least one of the following: (1) ascites (fluid in the abdomen), or (2) a history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or (3) hepatic encephalopathy, or (4) variceal hemorrhage, or (5) coagulopathy, or (6) portal gastropathy, or (7) hepatopulmonary or hepatorenal syndrome.
What is Diagnostic Code 7312?
Diagnostic Code 7312 is the VA rating identifier for Cirrhosis of the liver within 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114. 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 Cirrhosis of the liver?
The highest schedular rating for Cirrhosis of the liver under DC 7312 is 100%. This tier requires: Liver disease with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score greater than or equal to 15; or with continuous daily debilitating symptoms, generalized weakness and at least one of the following: (1) ascites (fluid in the abdomen), or (2) a history of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or (3) hepatic encephalopathy, or (4) variceal hemorrhage, or (5) coagulopathy, or (6) portal gastropathy, or (7) hepatopulmonary or hepatorenal syndrome. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Cirrhosis of the liver 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 Cirrhosis of the liver ratings?
Cirrhosis of the liver is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7312. 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 Cirrhosis of the liver?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Cirrhosis of the liver may be ratable under 38 CFR § 3.310. Veterans should work with a VSO or accredited claims agent to document the medical relationship.
What evidence do I need to establish service connection for Cirrhosis of the liver?
Service connection for Cirrhosis of the liver 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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