Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) — VA Rating Criteria (38 CFR DC 7354)
The VA rates Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7354, from 0% to 100% based on the frequency and functional severity of symptoms. The maximum 100% rating requires Hepatitis C with nearly total incapacitation: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) with multiple decompensating events; requiring liver transplantation; or with active hepatocellular carcinoma. Total disabi…. Related conditions in the Digestive body system share this rating framework.
What are the VA rating criteria for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
Rate under DC 7345 (Chronic liver disease without cirrhosis).
Hepatitis C with mild symptoms: Fatigue, malaise, nausea without jaundice; liver function tests mildly elevated; or during antiviral therapy with mild side effects (nausea, fatigue).
Hepatitis C with moderate symptoms: Continuous moderate fatigue, intermittent jaundice, significant elevation of liver enzymes (ALT/AST > 3x normal); or during antiviral therapy with moderate side effects impairing function.
Hepatitis C with marked symptoms: Daily fatigue severely limiting activity; significant liver function impairment; evidence of early cirrhosis (fibrosis Stage 3) on biopsy or imaging; portal hypertension without major complications.
Hepatitis C with severe symptoms: Cirrhosis (Stage 4 fibrosis) with decompensated disease including ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or variceal bleeding; or with hepatocellular carcinoma; requiring liver transplant evaluation.
Hepatitis C with nearly total incapacitation: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) with multiple decompensating events; requiring liver transplantation; or with active hepatocellular carcinoma. Total disability rating.
“Hepatitis C with marked symptoms: Daily fatigue severely limiting activity; significant liver function impairment; evidence of early cirrhosis (fibrosis Stage 3) on biopsy or imaging; portal hypertension without major complications.”
How does the VA rate Digestive conditions?
Common Questions About Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) VA Ratings
What is the VA disability rating for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
The VA rates Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) under Diagnostic Code 7354 at the following tiers: 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 100%. The minimum 0% rating requires: Rate under DC 7345 (Chronic liver disease without cirrhosis).. The maximum 100% rating requires: Hepatitis C with nearly total incapacitation: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) with multiple decompensating events; requiring liver transplantation; or with active hepatocellular carcinoma. Total disability rating..
What is Diagnostic Code 7354?
Diagnostic Code 7354 is the VA rating identifier for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) 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 Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
The highest schedular rating for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) under DC 7354 is 100%. This tier requires: Hepatitis C with nearly total incapacitation: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) with multiple decompensating events; requiring liver transplantation; or with active hepatocellular carcinoma. Total disability rating.. Veterans who cannot secure substantially gainful employment due to Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) 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 Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) ratings?
Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) is rated under 38 CFR 38 CFR § 4.114, Diagnostic Code 7354. 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 Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
Secondary conditions caused or aggravated by Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) 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 Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis)?
Service connection for Hepatitis C (or non-A, non-B hepatitis) 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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